cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Schlieren Photography Using a Mode-locked Laser as the Light Source

The extremely short pulses of coherent radiation emitted by a mode-locked laser permit the extension of conventional Schlieren photography to events requiring exposure times of a few picoseconds and framing rates in the gigacycle range. The usefulness of this technique has been investigated by studying the initial development of a laser-produced plasma. The experimental set-up employed a Neodymium : glass laser, Q-spoiled by means of a saturable dye, emitting a 400 nsec long train of pulses having a separation of 4 nsec and a duration of approximately 5 picoseconds. By passing the laser beam through an index-matched ADP crystal it was possible to illuminate the Schlieren system with the more easily recorded second harmonic radiation. The photographs obtained, which show the growth of a plasma produced by a synchronized ruby laser, clearly demonstrate the potential of picosecond light pulses in Schlieren studies.
Supervised Semantic Gradient Extraction Using Linear-Time Optimization

This paper proposes a new supervised semantic edge and gradient extraction approach, which allows the user to roughly scribble over the desired region to extract semantically-dominant and coherent edges in it. Our approach first extracts low-level edge lets (small edge clusters) from the input image as primitives and build a graph upon them, by jointly considering both the geometric and appearance compatibility of edge lets. Given the characteristics of the graph, it cannot be effectively optimized by commonly-used energy minimization tools such as graph cuts. We thus propose an efficient linear algorithm for precise graph optimization, by taking advantage of the special structure of the graph. %Optimal parameter settings of the model are learnt from a dataset. Objective evaluations show that the proposed method significantly outperforms previous semantic edge detection algorithms. Finally, we demonstrate the effectiveness of the system in various image editing tasks.
SYNTHESIS OF REBECCAMYCIN AND 11-DECHLOROREBECCAMYCIN

Glycosylated 7-chloroindole-3-acetamide 9, prepared in four steps and 26% yield from 7-chloroindole (1), was condensed with methyl 7-chloroindole-3-glyoxylate 11 and methyl indole-3-glyoxylate 12 to provide bisindolylmaleimides 7 and 8 in 86% and 84% yield, respectively. Oxidation of 7 and 8 followed by debenzylation provided a new approach to the synthesis of rebeccamycin and completed for the first time a synthesis of 11-dechlororebeccamycin.
A MODEL FOR ANALYZING MULTI-ASPERITY CONTACT OF THIN SHEETS WITH REAL SURFACES ON BOTH SIDES

A model for two-sided contact of a thin sheet of material, with real surfaces on both sides is presented. The model combines cylindrical-contact equations, with Euler-Bernoulli beam theory to examine the importance of substrate rigidity in two-sided contact problems. A finite difference program for solving this model is developed. Results for two-sided contact of numerically generated surfaces on thin tapes are presented. The effects of tape thickness and tension are explored. It is shown that substrate’s bending rigidity contributes significantly to the overall equilibrium, for typical tape thicknesses and tension values used by the industry. However, large thickness values exists for which substrate bending is negligible and elastic half-space solutions applied to both sides of the tape are adequate.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Allocations among programs having counteractive outcomes

Difficulties have been encountered in attempting to apply benefit-cost analysis to the problem of determining resource allocations among social programs, especially when there are multiple outcomes associated with each of the programs. Further complications result when program outcomes are characterized as counteractive: a specific allocation of resources to a program is likely to achieve a favorable impact regarding certain objectives while that allocation is also likely to have an unfavorable impact regarding other objectives. A model which promises to be useful in determining optimal resource allocations among programs having counteractive outcomes is presented. Two steps are required for the use of the model: (1) values, reflecting priorities, need to be assigned to the various objectives that programs are intended to accomplish and (2) an ensemble of probabilistic functions relating resources to program outcomes needs to be specified and combined to reflect the value of an ensemble of programs. In addition to determining optimal resource allocations, the model provides insights into the consequences of resource decisions based on noneconomic considerations. An example illustrates the major features of the model.
Chloroplast and mitochondrial DNAs of the carrot and its wild relatives

For the past two decades Daucus carota has been used as a model for plant regeneration and cell culture studies. With the advent of protoplast fusion and the explosive gains in molecular biology, the transfer of organelles and specific genes has now become a reality. A more refined understanding of the organelle genomes is now required to successfully control gene and organelle transfer. The Daucus genus once again promises to provide a model system for investigating the chloroplast and mitochondrial genomes for gene and organelle transfer experiments.
mRNA Expression of Glycolytic Enzymes and Glucose Transporter Proteins in Ischemic Myocardium With and Without Reperfusion

Abstract It is known that ischemia commonly increases exogenous glucose utilization by accelerating glucose uptake and flux rates through the Embden–Meyerhof pathway. Constitutive enzymes regulate the rate of glycolysis and in turn are regulated by product inhibition and allosteric controls. The purpose of this report was to test whether mRNA abundance for select glycolytic enzymes, and glucose transport proteins, is also modified. Six intact, working pig hearts with coronary flow controlled by extracorporeal perfusion were compared at the following conditions: (1) aerobic control perfusion; (2) ischemia affected by a 60% decrease in left anterior descending (LAD) coronary perfusion; (3) ischemia again affected by a 60% decrease in LAD flow followed by a 40-min interval of aerobic reflow; (4) an intermittent ischemia and reflow protocol including four cycles of similar LAD flow reductions (5 min per cycle) interspersed with 15–20 min of aerobic reperfusion; (5) a 4-day model designed to produce myocardial chronic hibernation; and (6) mild ischemia induced by a 40% decrease in LAD flow for 85 min to produce certain adaptations compatible with short-term hibernation. In each heart, mRNA abundance was measured from LAD and circumflex (LCF) perfused myocardium for hexokinase, phosphofructokinase, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase and the two glucose transporter isomers, GLUT 4 and GLUT 1. mRNA data from LAD myocardium in intervention hearts were normalized to those from LAD tissue in the control heart (LADc) and with LCF values in the same intervention hearts. Signal variance around unity in the LAD tissue, with respect to that of the LCF myocardium, in the control heart compared closely (44 and 41% in two separate runs, respectively). GLUT 1/GLUT 4 ratios in the LAD and LCF beds of this heart also agreed closely. LAD/LADc ratios were increased for hexokinase (1.69), phosphofructokinase (3.69), and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (2.29) in the ischemia heart and for phosphofructokinase (3.90), glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (2.20), GLUT 4 (1.55) and GLUT 1 (2.20) in the ischemia/reflow heart. There was no evidence of excess signal in the intermittent ischemia/reflow, chronic hibernation, or mild ischemia hearts. Altered signal from LCF myocardium was also suggested. These data indicate that mRNA abundance for select glycolytic enzymes and transporter proteins is increased in ischemic myocardium with or without reperfusion and offers a possible mechanism for increased protein activity in settings of diminished regional coronary flow.
The eruption of tradition

Numerical ordinal rankings (or ratings) are proliferating in the current social and economic world. Many are used to derive and justify relative monetary valuation, by modes of equation and calculation. The article shows how these composite manipulations of order and value tend to produce a parabolic curve: very few at very high value at the top, descending in a curve to very many of very low value at the bottom. The article illustrates the form of this ordinal curve and assesses the metaphors that evoke its persuasiveness. The Great Chain of Being is explored as a source of terminology.
Complex effects of general anesthesia on sensory processing in the spinal dorsal horn.

A chronic animal preparation allowed us to compare activity of the same single, spinal dorsal horn neurons in the physiologically intact, awake, drug-free state and in the anesthetized state. The inhalation anesthetic enflurane produced profound, and at times, opposite effects on spinal dorsal horn neuron responses to non-noxious and noxious receptive field stimulation. Some effects would not have been predicted, based upon current understanding of anesthetics.
Uncertainties in spectral reflectance caused by the measuring instrument

The existence of many variables in instrument design has made the need for standardized measurements increasingly important in order to achieve accurate reflectance. This paper describes the uncertainties in reflectance caused by the instrument.
Entropy and Enthalpy Change in Hydrated Ion Clusters

Abstract A new electrothermodynamic theory was recently developed by (Suck) Salk to treat the hydration of ions suspended in a gas containing water vapor. This theory was successfully applied to a study of the free energy of formation of both positive and negative ions and to an analysis of ion mobility data. Here the new theory is used to study entropy and enthalpy for a variety of hydrated ions. The results compare favorably to experiment and are significantly superior to Thomson theory results.
Sperm maturity and treatment choice of in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection: diminished sperm HspA2 chaperone levels predict IVF failure.

Abstract Objective: To reexamine whether low sperm HspA2 ratios (formerly sperm CK-M ratio ) are predictive for failure to cause pregnancies by in vitro fertilization (IVF) and to explore whether there are other male or female factors that may be predictive for IVF pregnancy outcome. Design: Retrospective, cohort study. Setting: University-based IVF program. Patient(s): In 119 IVF cycles, three patient groups were studied: 25 men had a 10% sperm HspA2 ratio and no pregnancies (HS >10%NP group), and another 44 couples had a >10% sperm HspA2 ratio but did achieve pregnancies (HS >10%P group). Intervention(s): Sperm HspA2 ratio determinations within 1 year of the IVF cycles and analysis of male and female IVF cycle parameters. Main Outcome Measure(s): Sperm HspA2 ratio determinations within 1 year of the IVF cycles and analysis of male and female IVF cycle parameters. Result(s): In the three groups, male and female ages, number and maturation level of oocytes, and morphology of embryos were similar. In the HS 10% groups. The receiver operating characteristic curve in men with sperm HspA2 ratios of Conclusion(s): HspA2 ratios of
Adaptive neural networks for mobile robotic control

Movement of a differential drive robot has non-linear dependence on the current position and orientation. A controller must be able to deal with the non-linearity of the plant. The controller must either linearize the plant and deal with special cases, or be non-linear itself. Once the controller is designed, implementation on a real robotic platform presents challenges due to the varying parameters of the plant. Robots of the same model may have different motor frictions. The surface the robot maneuvers on may change e.g. carpet to tile. Batteries will drain, providing less power over time. A feed-forward neural network controller could overcome these challenges. The network could learn the non- linearities of the plant and monitor the error for parameter changes and adapt to them. In this manner, a single controller can be designed for an ideal robot, and then used to populate a multi-robot colony without manually fine tuning the controller for each robot. This paper shall demonstrate such a controller, outlining design in simulation and implementation on Khepera robotic platforms.© (2001) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Lentivirus-transduced human monocyte-derived dendritic cells efficiently stimulate antigen-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes

Dendritic cells (DCs) are professional antigen-presenting cells that are highly effective adjuvants for immunizing against pathogens and tumor antigens. The potential merit of genetic approaches to loading DCs with antigens is to express high and sustained levels of proteins that can be subsequently processed and presented to T lymphocytes. Replication-defective oncoretroviruses are able to efficiently transduce CD34+ progenitor-derived DCs but not monocyte-derived DCs. Here, it is shown that efficient gene transfer is obtained using a human immunodeficiency virus-1–derived lentiviral vector deleted of all structural and accessory genes. Infection of immature DCs with the lentiviral vector at a multiplicity of infection of 20 resulted in stable gene expression in 30% to 40% of the matured DCs. Proviral DNA was detectable by Alu polymerase chain reaction for the lentiviral but not the oncoretroviral vector. Most importantly, it is demonstrated that lentivirus-transduced DCs were fully functional and effectively activated autologous HLA A2.1+ peripheral blood cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). DCs expressing lentiviral vector-encoded Flu peptide were at least as efficient as DCs pulsed with the same peptide in stimulating specific CTLs. The efficacy of the lentivirus-transduced DCs was further demonstrated by their ability to directly activate freshly harvested peripheral blood Flu-specific CTLs in the absence of CD4+ T-cell help and exogenous cytokines. The availability of a stable gene delivery system based on a multiply attenuated lentivirus that does not encode any viral protein and that allows sustained antigen presentation by DCs derived from blood monocytes will be very useful for the biologic investigation of DCs and the improvement of immunotherapeutic strategies involving DCs.
Lipoprotein compositional changes in the fasting and postprandial state on a high-carbohydrate low-fat and a high-fat diet in subjects with noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus

Our aims were 1) to examine the effects of a high-carbohydrate low-fat diet on fasting and postprandial plasma lipids, apolipoproteins (apo), and lipoprotein composition in noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, and 2) to determine whether postprandial shift of apo between triglyceride-rich lipoproteins (TRLP) and high density lipoproteins (HDL) is affected by diet. A cross-over study, of 4 weeks duration, of a high-carbohydrate (60% carbohydrate, 20% fat) and a high-fat (40% carbohydrate, 40% fat) diet was performed in seven subjects with noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. TRLP, low density lipoproteins (LDL), and HDL were separated by fast protein liquid chromatography. The high-carbohydrate diet resulted in a decrease of fasting total, HDL, and LDL cholesterol and a trend toward an increase in plasma triglycerides. The apo composition of fasting TRLP and HDL was similar on both diets. TRLP apo CII, CIII, and E increased whereas HDL apo CII, CIII, and E decreased postprandially on both diets. In c...
Conflicts in Learning to Care for Critically Ill Newborns: "It Makes Me Question My Own Morals".

Caring for critically ill and dying patients often triggers both professional and personal growth for physician trainees. In pediatrics, the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is among the most distressing settings for trainees. We used longitudinal narrative writing to gain insight into how physician trainees are challenged by and make sense of repetitive, ongoing conflicts experienced as part of caring for very sick and dying babies. The study took place in a 45-bed, university-based NICU in an urban setting in the United States. From November 2009 to June 2010 we enrolled pediatric residents and neonatology fellows at the beginning of their NICU rotations. Participants were asked to engage in individual, longitudinal narrative writing about their “experience in the NICU.” Thematic narrative analysis was performed. Thirty-seven physician trainees participated in the study. The mean number of narratives per trainee was 12; a total of 441 narratives were available for analysis. Conflict was the most pervasive theme in the narratives. Trainees experienced conflicts with families and conflicts with other clinicians. Trainees also described multiple conflicts of identity as members of the neonatology team, as members of the medical profession, as members of their own families, and as members of society. Physician trainees experience significant conflict and distress while learning to care for critically ill and dying infants. These conflicts often led them to question their own morals and their role in the medical profession. Physician trainees should be educated to expect various types of distress during intensive care rotations, encouraged to identify their own sources of distress, and supported in mitigating their effects.
The evolution and current status of process safety management metrics

A broad, consistent set of process safety management metrics and leading indicators is important to effectively manage process safety and prevent incidents, help ensure regulatory compliance, meet internal policies, and verify that adequate management attention and resources are allotted to meet program needs. This article will review the development, current state, and future focus areas associated with the use of process safety metrics and leading indicators within The DuPont Company as a global manufacturing organization at a site, business, and corporate level. This includes a historical perspective of past metrics and their technical basis with a primary focus on incident classification and audit results, a review of recent improvements involving an expanded group of current metrics, and a general discussion of forward looking additional improvements. An overview of lessons learned, guidance, and challenges involving the development and use of process safety metrics and indicators within a global enterprise will also be provided. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog, 2009
Utilizing the Revised Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale (ALSFRS-R) as a Tool in Nutrition Assessment of Patients With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Text: The Revised Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale (ALSFRS-R) is a validated rating instrument for monitoring the progression of disability in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The scale provides scores for bulbar functions, fine motor tasks, gross motor tasks, and respiratory functions. It includes 12 questions with each task rated on a five-point scale from 0 can’t do, to 4 normal ability. Individual item scores are summed to produce a reported score of between 0 worst and 48 best. From January 2004 to December 2006, the total ALSFRS-R score and bulbar function score were collected on 120 patients followed every 6 months at the ALS clinic to compare against changes in weight status and feeding regimen. One hundred five of 120 patients (88%) reported a decrease in total ALSFRS-R score, and 70 of 120 patients (58%) experienced a decrease in bulbar function score over time. There was a marked relationship between patients’ weight status and total ALSFRS-R score (r .43, p .0001). Decrease in bulbar function score correlated with weight loss (r .41, p .0001). Eighteen percent of patients who reported a decrease in both total ALSFRS-R and bulbar function scores transitioned from oral diet to enteral nutrition alone due to increased risk of aspiration. These findings provide evidence that change in ALSFRS-R scores correlate with nutritional changes over time in ALS patients. The scale can be utilized as a reliable tool in providing nutrition interventions tailored to changing medical needs of ALS patients.
Attributions of responsibility in father–daughter incest in relation to gender, socio-economic status, ethnicity, and experiential differences in participants

One hundred and fifty-seven state college undergraduates (84 females and 73 males) answered the Jackson Incest Blame Scale [JIBS] modified to include mother-blaming after reading one of four vignettes about father-daughter incest in high or low SES White or Black families. Responses about incest prevalence (created for this study) in families with different ethnic and SES backgrounds varied with gender and SES of participants. Gender differences include blame of offender, situation, victim, and mother on the modified JIBS. Parents blamed the offender more than non-parents. Participants who knew an incest survivor disagreed significantly more with victim-blaming statements than those who did not know a survivor of incest.
Youth Crime, Public Policy, and Practice in the Juvenile Justice System: Recent Trends and Needed Reforms

Historically, juvenile justice policy has oscillated between rehabilitative and punitive approaches to managing young offenders. Policy and practice in the 1970s and 1980s emphasized individual treatment for young offenders in nonsecure, community-based programs. An increase in violent youth crime during the past decade has renewed interest in punishing delinquent youths. Cyclic fluctuations in juvenile justice policy and their relationship to policy, practice, and youth crime are examined. Our analysis suggests that overall crime rates have remained relatively stable over the past three decades and are independent of prevailing juvenile justice policies. The findings support the need for targeted prevention efforts addressing the root causes of juvenile crime. Needed policy reforms, public education efforts, and practice approaches are outlined.
Evaluation of patients with advanced cancer using the karnofsky performance status

The Karnofsky Performance Status Scale (KPS) was designed to measure the level of patient activity and medical care requirements. It is a general measure of patient independence and has been widely used as a general assessment of patients with cancer. Although there is a long history of use of the KPS for judging cancer patients, its reliability and validity have been assumed without formal investigation. The interrater reliability of the KPS was investigated in two ways, both of which gave evidence of moderately high reliability. The patients evaluated in their home were usually assigned a lower KPS score compared with a similar evaluation at the same time done in the outpatient clinic. Construct validity of the KPS was demonstrated by strong correlation with several variables relating to physical function. Onstudy KPS scores accurately predicted early death, but high initial KPS scores did not necessarily predict long survival. Patient deterioration with subsequent death within a few months could be predicted to a limited extent by a rapidly dropping KPS. These results suggest that the KPS has considerable validity as a global indicator of the functional status of patients with cancer and might be helpful for following other patients with chronic disease. Cancer 45:2220-2224, 1980. ITH THE INCREASE in clinical trials designed to W evaluate chemotherapeutic agents in the treatment of cancer, it became evident that some method of quantifying patients’ status relative to degree of independence in carrying out normal activities and selfcare was needed. In 1948, Karnofsky and Burchena15 described a numerical scale for this purpose. This has subsequently become known as the Karnofsky Performance Status Scale (KPS). Although the KPS is widely used for assessment of patients with cancer, its reliability and validity have generally been assumed without formal investigation. In this paper we evaluate the reliability and validity of the KPS and its usefulness as a clinical tool. An earlier study from this institution of patients on chronic hemodialysis demonstrated lower performance scores for patients when seen in the home as compared with the clinic.3 The conclusion was that a more realistic appraisal of activity was possible in the home. Concurrent home and clinic evaluations were planned as a part of this study.
Economic Benefit of Increasing Utilization of Intravenous Tissue Plasminogen Activator for Acute Ischemic Stroke in the United States

Background and Purpose— Health economic analyses of intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) in acute ischemic stroke reveal a substantial cost savings. Unfortunately, tPA is vastly underused. The purpose of this study was to determine the economic impact of increasing tPA utilization in the United States. Methods— Annual incidence estimates of ischemic stroke in the United States and individual states were obtained. The proportion of all ischemic stroke patients who receive tPA was derived from published data. Economic analyses that report the expected annual cost savings of tPA were consulted. The analysis was conducted from the perspective of the healthcare system over a time period of 1 year. With incremental increases in the proportion of all ischemic stroke patients treated with tPA, potential cost savings were recalculated. The outcomes are expressed in dollars saved annually. Results— There are 616 000 new ischemic stroke patients annually. A $600 net cost savings is associated with each tPA...
Determining soil salinity from soil and soil-paste electrical conductivities sensitivity analysis of models

Models and relations used to determine soil salinity (EC e ) in the field from measurements of bulk soil electrical conductivity (EC a ), or from saturated soil-paste electrical conductivity (EC p ), and estimates of other influential soil parameters were analyzed to evaluate the degree to which salinity appraisal is affected by inaccuracies made in the estimates. (…)
Test-Retest Correlations and the Reliability of Copy Testing

Test-retest correlations often are reported as measures of the reliability of copy testing procedures with little or no attention to the conditions under which such an interpretation is meaningful....
Buddhist material culture, “indianism,” and the construction of pan-asian buddhism in prewar japan

ABSTRACTLate nineteenth- and early twentieth-century Japanese Buddhism was marked by a wide-ranging fascination with Buddhist origins in India. This Indian turn in Japanese Buddhist circles manifested not only in elite academic scholarship, but also in Buddhist art and architecture. In this article I consider how the early twentieth-century artistic and architectural production of Itō Chūta and Ōtani Kōzui deployed Indian and Southeast Asian Buddhist motifs as part of the effort to create a universalized Japanese Buddhism.
Effect of Addition of Energetic Nanoparticles on Droplet-Burning Rate of Liquid Fuels

A droplet stream combustion experiment was developed to understand the effect of reducing droplet size to a micrometer scale on the combustion characteristics of nanofluid fuels, which are liquid fuels with a stable suspension of nanoparticles. Pure ethanol and ethanol with aluminum nanoparticles at varying concentrations (up to 5 wt%) and droplet sizes were studied. The effect of particle addition on the droplet-burning rate was determined, and the mechanisms that are responsible for that effect were identified. The results show that the droplet-burning rate increases with increasing particle concentration. For example, with a 5 wt% addition of 80 nm aluminum nanoparticles, the burning rate increased by 140%. The burning rate enhancement is mainly attributed to strong radiation absorption of the nanoparticles suspended within the droplets, which provides more energy from the exothermic reaction (the flame) to the liquid phase (the droplets) for vaporization, thus increasing the burning rate. The radiatio...
Of Corsairs, Converts and Renegades: Forms and Functions of Coastal Raiding on Both Sides of the Far Western Mediterranean, 1490-1540

Abstract Historians have long debated whether or not the cultures of the Mediterranean constitute a singular unit of geo-historical analysis. The Alboran Sea—the Mediterranean’s far western corner that narrowly separates the Iberian Peninsula from Africa’s northwestern shore—has long been an important “frontier” zone in which arguments for and against Mediterranean unity are put to the test. This essay contends that endemic practices of corsair activity and coastal raiding played analogous functions on both sides of this “frontier” in the late fifteenth and early sixteenth centuries. While the fact of systematized conflict in the form of raids lends some support to the notion of an enduring “clash of civilizations,” the parallel forms and functions of such raiding within the societies from which the corsairs came argue at least as persuasively for a significant degree of fundamental similarity and continuity. The Alboran corsairs along both coasts, for instance, typically received patronage and organizational aid from local and regional elites, and their raiding activities proved central to both economies. On both sides of the frontier, moreover, the world of the corsairs allowed a surprising degree of mobility and participation to converts and renegades of Muslim, Jewish and Christian origin alike.
A low-cost method to assess the epidemiological importance of individuals in controlling infectious disease outbreaks

Infectious disease outbreaks in communities can be controlled by early detection and effective prevention measures. Assessing the relative importance of each individual community member with respect to these two processes requires detailed knowledge about the underlying social contact network on which the disease can spread. However, mapping social contact networks is typically too resource-intensive to be a practical possibility for most communities and institutions.
Separation of Complexed Mercury from Aqueous Wastes Using Self-Assembled Mercaptan on Mesoporous Silica

Separation of Hg(II) from potassium iodide/sulfate wastes was studied using a novel mesoporous silica material containing self-assembled mercaptan groups. The adsorbent, consisting of self-assembled mercaptan on mesoporous silica (SAMMS) developed at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), was characterized as to its specificity, adsorption capacity, and kinetics for separation of mercury from potassium iodide/sulfate solutions. Aqueous speciation calculations indicated that a major fraction (92–99%) of dissolved mercury in the potassium iodide/sulfate wastes solutions existed as HgI2− 4species. The adsorption data showed that the mercury adsorption capacity of SAMMS material increased with decreasing iodide concentrations. The magnitude of calculated free energy of adsorption indicated that mercury adsorption on this adsorbent is typical of soft acid–soft base interactions. High specificity for anionic complexes of Hg(II) by the SAMMS material was confirmed by distribution coefficient measurements....
Nanomaterial powders and deposits prepared by flame spray processing of liquid precursors

Ultrafine grained Al2O3, Mn2O3, ZrO2 and Y2O3-ZrO2 powders and deposits were produced by flame spray processing of atomized precursor solutions. Ceramic particles of 1–150 nm size were collected on an electrostatic precipitator at a rate of ~ 5–20 mg/min, with ~ 5–25% collection efficiency. Nanograined oxide deposits with a powder morphology were produced at a deposition efficiency of < 10%. The spray feedstock and processing conditions affected the size, shape and phase composition of the synthesized nanomaterials. Particles with wider distributions of larger size grains were produced from aqueous solutions, whereas narrow range of fine-grained material was produced from organo-metallic precursors. Liquid flame spraying is a viable technique to produce nanoparticles and deposits.
Lack of Fitness as the Predisposing Factor in Infections of the Type Encountered in Pneumonia and in Common Cold

The rabbits were chilled to a point between 95 and 96 F., and an estimate made of the number of minutes required for the first 3 degrees of subsequent temperature recovery. The chilling was produced by partial immersion in cool water and checked by drying, with absorbent cloths, to an endpoint of even flufffness. The temperature determinations were made with clinical thermometers thrust through the rectal opening to a depth of 2| inches for periods of 1 to 2 minutes.
MEASUREMENTS OF EMISSION RATES OF CARBON DISULFIDE FROM BIOGENIC SOURCES AND ITS POSSIBLE IMPORTANCE TO THE STRATOSPHERIC AEROSOL LAYER

MEASUREMENTS OF EMISSION RATES OF CARBON DISULFIDE FROM BIOGENIC SOURCES AND ITS POSSIBLE IMPORTANCE TO THE STRATOSPHERIC AEROSOL LAYER V.P. ANEJA a , J.H. OVERTON JR. a , L.T. CUPITT a , J.L. DURHAM b & W.E. WILSON b a Environmental Sciences Group, Northrop Services, Incorporated , Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, 27709 b U.S. Environmental Protection Agency , Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, 27711 Published online: 24 Apr 2007.
Unsteady turbulent forced convection in a parallel-plate channel with timewise variation of inlet temperature

Abstract A theoretical and experimental study of turbulent forced convection between two parallel plates, subjected to a sinusoidally varying inlet temperature, is presented. The previous work on laminar flow is extended to a more realistic situation, turbulent flow, since most of the flows in practice are generally in the turbulent regime. A boundary condition which accounts for the effects of both external convection and wall thermal capacitance is considered. The analytical solution is obtained through extending the generalized integral transform technique. An experimental apparatus was designed, built and used for the experimental study to provide validation of the mathematical modeling employed. Analytical solutions are compared with the experimental findings. A satisfactory agreement is obtained when the non-uniform inlet temperature amplitude profile obtained experimentally is incorporated into the theoretical model. Furthermore, the effects of the modified Biot number, the fluid-to-wall thermal capacitance ratio and the Reynolds number on the temperature amplitude along the channel are also discussed for turbulent flow.
RNA-dependent integrin α3 protein localization regulated by the Muscleblind-like protein MLP1

We show that localized expression of the integrin α3 protein is regulated at the level of RNA localization by the human homologue of Drosophila Muscleblind, MLP1/MBLL/MBNL2, a unique Cys3His zinc-finger protein. This is supported by the following observations: MLP1 knockdown abolishes localization of integrin α3 to the adhesion complexes; MLP1 is localized in adhesion plaques that contain phospho-focal adhesion kinase; this localization is microtubule-dependent; integrin α3 transcripts colocalize with MLP1 in distinct cytoplasmic loci; integrin α3 transcripts are physically associated with MLP1 in cells and MLP1 binds to a specific ACACCC motif in the integrin α3 3′ untranslated region (UTR) in vitro; and a green fluorescent protein (GFP) open reading frame–integrin α3 3′ UTR chimeric gene directs GFP protein localization to distinct cytoplasmic loci near the cell periphery, which is dependent on MLP1 and is mediated by the ACACCC motif but is independent of the integrin α3 signal peptide.
On the applicability of entropy potentials in transport problems.

Transport in confined structures of varying geometry has become the subject of growing attention in recent years since such structures are ubiquitous in biology and technology. In analyzing transport in systems of this type, the notion of entropy potentials is widely used. Entropy potentials naturally arise in one-dimensional description of equilibrium distributions in multidimensional confined structures. However, their application to transport problems requires some caution. In this article we discuss such applications and summarize the results of recent studies exploring the limits of applicability. We also consider an example of a transport problem in a system of varying geometry, where the conventional approach is inapplicable since the geometry changes abruptly. In addition, we demonstrate how the entropy potential can be used to analyze optimal transport through a three-dimensional cosine-shaped channel.
Heterosexual Transmission of Human Immunodeficiency Virus among Intravenous Drug Users

To examine sexual transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among heterosexual intravenous drug users (IVDUs), HIV antibody status of IVDUs with intravenous drug-using sexual partners (IVSPs) was compared with that of IVDUs with no IVSPs. Initial bivariate analyses indicated IVDUs with IVSPs were more likely to be HIV antibody-positive than those with no IVSPs. Analyses by gender indicated that this relationship held for men but not women. IVDUs with IVSPs also differed from those without IVSPs demographically, in drug use, and in other sexual behaviors. When effects of other variables were controlled, no statistically significant relationship was found between injection history of sex partners and HIV status for the total sample or separately for men or women.
English speakers' perception of Spanish lexical stress: Context-driven L2 stress perception

Abstract English speakers' perception of word-stress in Spanish was compared to that of native Spanish controls. All participants performed a word-stress detection task in Spanish declarative sentences and reporting clauses where the identification of a syllable as stressed or unstressed was dependent of the perception of phonetic detail. Phonetic detail was manipulated by crossing a duration continuum with a pitch continuum in the target words embedded in declarative sentences, and a duration continuum with an intensity continuum in the target words embedded in reporting clauses. Results showed that English speakers did not perceive the variations of duration, pitch and intensity in relation to stress as native Spanish speakers did. When listening to Spanish, English speakers processed the acoustic dimensions to stress by using those pitch patterns and cue associations that represented context-appropriate realizations of stress in English. As a result, English speakers experienced difficulties perceiving those tokens that represented context-appropriate realizations of stress in Spanish but not in English. This lead to a context-sensitive ‘stress deafness’ that involved relatively low levels of processing and stress representations with language-specific context-driven phonetic detail. Together with current phonological theories of ‘stress deafness’, the context-sensitive ‘stress deafness’ provides a comprehensive view of this phenomenon.
Managerial behavior of college chairpersons and administrators

To explore Daft's dual-core model of educational organization, this study compares the managerial behavior of academic department chairpersons and nonacademic unit managers across 140 colleges and universities. For the study, 6,357 faculty and administrators completed questionnaires that profiled their formal leader's behavior, their work group characteristics, and their personal satisfaction. Of 54 variables submitted to discriminant analysis, 31 discriminated the bureaucratic units from the academic groups. Managers of the two types of group behave differently in ways consistent with their distinct group tasks. The empirically derived role profiles of the academic and nonacademic managers are discussed, as are the implications of the findings for institutional researchers, change agents, and trainers of college managers.
Altered lipid profile, leptin, insulin, and anthropometry in offspring of South Asian immigrants in the United States.

South Asians who immigrate to the United States have a propensity toward insulin resistance, central obesity, and elevated total cholesterol:high-density lipoprotein (HDL) ratio. To evaluate whether these alterations are apparent at a younger age, we studied 32 offspring of South Asian immigrants and compared them with 29 of European descent between 18 to 30 years of age. American-born South Asian males had significantly higher total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (TC:LDL) ratios, triglycerides, and fasting insulin levels (13.9 +/- 7.1 and 10.0 +/- 5.5 microU/mL, P <.01) than their European counterparts. The South Asian females only had increased plasma insulin levels (15.3 +/- 8.8 and 10.0 +/- 5.1 microU/mL, P =.05). The entire South Asian group had higher truncal skinfold thickness (40.1 +/- 18.1 and 30.3 +/- 12.6 mm, P = <.05) and lower insulin-like growth factor binding protein (IGFBP)-1 levels (46.8 +/- 33.4 and 56.0 +/- 33.4 microg/L, P =.05). Plasma leptin levels were also significantly higher in both males (4.3 +/- 2.5 v 2.8 +/- 1.3 ng/mL, P =.0001) and females (20.5 +/- 10.3 v 10.3 +/- 6.3 ng/mL, P =.002) South Asian subjects. A significant correlation between plasma leptin and insulin, triglycerides, TC, and body mass index (BMI) was seen in the South Asian males. South Asians born in the United States show evidence for an altered metabolic profile in young adulthood. The relative contributions of inheritance and nutritional practices early in life to this alteration remain unclear.
Multimode vibration control of a smart model frame structure

This paper investigates multimodal vibration control of a three-story model structural frame by using surface bonded PZT (lead zirconate titanate) type piezoceramic patches. Piezoceramic is one of the smart materials. Complete control systems design is synthesized on the model frame using system identification and a pole placement controller. A time domain based subspace system identification is performed to identify the first three modes of the structural frame. A fit of 90% is achieved in identification results. A full-state pole placement feedback controller is designed based on the identified model. To implement the full-state feedback controller, the design of a state estimator is also performed. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of multimodal active control of the smart frame structure using pole placement control.
Effects of nightbreak, T-cycle, and resonance lighting schedules on the pineal melatonin rhythm of the lizard Anolis carolinensis: correlations with the reproductive response.

: Experiments were conducted to determine if a correlation exists between any aspect of the pineal melatonin rhythm (such as its duration or phase) in the lizard Anolis carolinensis and the reproductive response to photoperiod. The rhythm of pineal melatonin content was determined in anoles exposed to nightbreak lighting protocols (10L:5D:1L:8D, 10L:10D:1L:3D), resonance lighting cycles (LD 11:13, LD 11:25), and T-cycle lighting protocols (LD 11:7, LD 11:9, LD 11:13, LD 11:15, LD 11:19) and compared with the testicular response to these lighting protocols as determined previously [Underwood and Hyde, (1990) J. Comp. Physiol. (A) 167:231–243]. Different T-cycles and nightbreak cycles elicited changes in both the duration of the melatonin peak and the phase of the melatonin peak relative to these light cycles. The response to the resonance cycle (LD 11:25) was complex, probably due to the overlapping patterns of two groups whose pineal melatonin rhythms were entrained approximately 12 hr out of phase with each other. No correlation was observed between the duration, or the amplitude, of the nocturnal melatonin peaks seen on the various light cycles and the reproductive response to these cycles. A correlation was observed between the phase of the pineal melatonin rhythm and the reproductive response. Light cycles were inductive (stimulated testicular growth) when the entrained melatonin rhythm peaked near the light-to-dark or the dark-to-light transition, but they were not inductive when the melatonin rhythm peaked during the middle third of the night. These results suggest that if melatonin is involved in the transduction of photoperiodic information in Anolis, neither the duration nor amplitude of the nocturnal melatonin pulse is involved in the measurement of day length. Instead, the phase-relationship of the melatonin rhythm to the rest of the circadian system may determine photoperiodic responsiveness.
Vivid Memories and the Reminiscence Phenomenon: The Role of a Self Narrative

Autobiographical memory research has shown that, for the most part, the retention function for personal memories strongly resembles the retention function identified in laboratory research. However, t
‘PARTIAL DEFEATERS’ AND THE EPISTEMOLOGY OF DISAGREEMENT

Can known disagreement with our epistemic peers undermine or defeat the justification our beliefs enjoy? Much of the current literature argues for one of two extreme positions on this topic, either that the justification of each person's belief is (fully) defeated by the awareness of disagreement, or that no belief is defeated by this awareness. I steer a middle course and defend a principle describing when a disagreement yields a partial defeater, which results in a loss of some, but not all, of the justification of a belief. I show that the ‘no defeater’ view is too strong. I also offer reasons for thinking that the ‘full defeater’ view is similarly mistaken.
Children’s Experiences of Food Insecurity Can Assist in Understanding Its Effect on Their Well-Being

An understanding of the experience of food insecurity by children is essential for better measurement and assessment of its effect on children's nutritional, physical, and mental health. Our qualitative study explored children's perceptions of household food insecurity to identify these perceptions and to use them to establish components of children's food insecurity experience. Children (n = 32; 11-16 y old) from after school programs and a middle school in low-income areas participated in individual semistructured in-depth interviews. Children as young as 11 y could describe behaviors associated with food insecurity if they had experienced it directly or indirectly. Using the constant comparative method of qualitative data analysis, children's descriptions of behaviors associated with food insecurity were categorized into components of quantity of food, quality of food, psychological aspects, and social aspects described in the household food insecurity literature. Aspects of quantity included eating less than usual and eating more or eating fast when food was available. Aspects of quality included use of a few kinds of low-cost foods. Psychological aspects included worry/anxiety/sadness about the family food supply, feelings of having no choice in the foods eaten, shame/fear of being labeled as poor, and attempts to shield children. Social aspects of food insecurity centered on using social networks to acquire food or money and social exclusion. These results provide valuable information in understanding the effect of food insecurity on children's well-being especially relative to the social and emotional aspects of well-being.
In-line lead connector for use with implanted neuroprosthesis

The design, implementation, and preliminary testing of an implantable in-line connector for individual lead-wires is presented. The connector provides for replacement of implanted components without disturbing other elements of the implanted system. Its flexibility and size makes it suitable for implantation in neuromuscular applications. >