cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hypothermia and blood of crabs

Abstract 1. 1. The effect of acclimation to 10° and 30°C on the blood volume, clotting time, total blood protein and numbers of cells was determined in Uca pugilator. 2. 2. There was no significant difference between blood volume in the 10° and 30° animals but there were significantly more cells and a higher blood protein in the 30° crabs. 3. 3. The clotting time is significantly longer for the 10° crabs. 4. 4. These changes associated with the blood parameters can be associated with the ecology of the animal.
SENCAR mouse skin tumorigenesis model versus other strains and stocks of mice

The SENCAR mouse stock was selectively bred for eight generations for sensitivity to skin tumor induction by the two-stage tumorigenesis protocol using 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) as the initiator and 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) as the promoter. The SENCAR mouse was derived by crossing Charles River CD-1 mice with skin-tumor-sensitive mice (STS). The SENCAR mice are much more sensitive to both DMBA tumor initiation and TPA tumor promotion than CD-1, BALB/c, and DBA/2 mice. An even greater difference in the sensitivity to two-stage skin tumorigenesis is apparent between SENCAR and C57BL/6 mice when using DMBA-TPA treatment. However, the SENCAR and C57BL/6 mice have a similar tumor response to DMBA-benzoyl peroxide treatment, suggesting that TPA is not an effective promoter in C57BL/6 mice. The DBA/2 mice respond in a similar manner to the SENCAR mice when using N-methyl-N-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG)-TPA treatment. The SENCAR mouse model provides a good dose-response relationship for many carcinogens used as tumor initiators and for many compounds used as tumor promoter. When compared to other stocks and strains of mice, the SENCAR mouse has one of the largest data bases for carcinogens and promoters.
The Consumption of Online News: The Relationship of Attitudes Toward the Site and Credibility

ABSTRACT The study examines the factors that influence the perceptions of consumers engaged in the consumption of news online. Measures of online communications effectiveness in the business sector are applied to the online news environment. Consumer reactions to two major cable news Web sites provide insight into the relationship between Web site credibility and attitude toward the site. The study points to the importance of several credibility measures (particularly those related to site design) that are significantly related to attitude toward the site. Conclusions related to media and consumption of online news are provided.
CARDIOPULMONARY EFFECTS OF PROPHYLACTIC INDOMETHACIN IN THE VERY-LOW-BIRTH-WEIGHT INFANT

To assess the efficacy of prophylactic indomethacin [I] in preventing clinically significant patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), 61 infants were prospectively randomized by birth weight (Group A: <900 g; Group B: 900-1300 g) to receive either placebo [P] or [I] intravenously. The first dose (0.2 mg/kg), given within 12 hours of birth, was followed by two q12 hourly doses (0.1 mg/kg). Investigators were unaware of the study drug given. PDA was considered clinically significant if a murmur and/or positive 2-D Doppler was associated with two of four additional findings: bounding pulses, hyperdynamic precordium, pulmonary plethora, or failure to wean from mechanical ventilation within 48 hours. After the initial course of prophylactic [I] or [P], therapeutic [I] was prescribed for clinically significant PDA unless contraindicated. Prophylactic [I] appeared efficacious in preventing significant PDA in premature infants < 900 grams; however, [I] resulted in no significant impact upon intensity or duration of oxygen requirements or survival.
The compressibility of finite nuclei

Abstract A simple formula without adjustable parameters is derived for the ratio of the compressibility of a finite charged nucleus to the compressibility of standard nuclear matter.
Unique complex between bacterial azurin and tumor-suppressor protein p53

Abstract The tumor-suppressor protein p53 is a major player in regulation of cell growth, genomic stability, and cell death. Recent work suggests that Pseudomonas aeruginosa azurin, as the only bacterial protein known to date, can enter cancer cells and interact with p53 promoting cell death. For the first time, here we demonstrate and characterize this proposed complex using purified proteins in vitro. We find that azurin binds to p53 with nanomolar affinity in a four-to-one stoichiometry (pH 7.5, 25 °C). Upon azurin binding, secondary structure is induced and tryptophan fluorescence is quenched, implying that interactions occur in the N-terminal p53 domain which is also the binding site for many oncogenes. Further biophysical studies may assist the design of novel cancer treatments that are based on azurin.
Is less better?: Boot camp, regular probation and rearrest in North Carolina

Using official data, 331 boot camp participants and a stratified random sample of 369 regular probationers were tracked for rearrests over a threeyear period. Chisquare tests and logistic regression analysis indicate that participation in boot camp was significantly associated with rearrest for drug offenses, offenses categorized as “other,” and all types of offenses combined. Contrary to most prior research, which suggests that boot camp participation has no effect on subsequent criminal behavior, the results in this study indicate that participation in the boot camp program had a detrimental effect on its participants.
Minimal zero-sequences and the strong Davenport constant

Abstract Let G be a finite Abelian group and U (G) the set of minimal zero-sequences on G. If M 1 and M 2 ∈ U (G) , then set M 1 ∼ M 2 if there exists an automorphism ϕ of G such that ϕ( M 1 )= M 2 . Let O ( M ) represent the equivalence class of M under ∼. In this paper, we consider problems related to the size of an equivalence class of sequences in U (G) and also examine a stronger form of the Davenport constant of G.
Formation of a 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide complex with DNA in normal and repair deficient strains of Bacillus subtilis

Abstract When cultures of Bacillus subtilis were treated with 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide (4NQO), this compound complexed with their DNA. Strains with a Rec + phenotype recovered from this treatment, whereas Hcr − , Rec − mutants did not. Those strains able to recover were not sensitized to the action of 4NQO by caffeine (CAF), but addition of chloramphenicol (CAP) to the post-treatment growth medium prevented recovery. A measurable level of protein synthesis was maintained by the Rec + strains during the post-treatment incubation, but was absent in Hcr − , Rec − cultures. Treatment of any B. subtilis culture with 4NQO stopped DNA synthesis, and recovery only followed when synthesis was reinitiated. The 4NQO-DNA complex was retained longer by the Hcr − , Rec − mutants. DNA synthesis was never reinitiated in these mutants, and consequently they failed to recover. Complexation of 4NQO with DNA was shown in vitro , and could be correlated with the loss of transforming activity. The data show that DNA is the primary target of 4NQO action in B. subtilis , and that recovery is likely to be through the recombination repair mechanism demonstrated in Escherichia coli .
Regulation of p53 gene expression by a poxviral transcription factor.

Identification of regulators of p53 expression is a crucial step in understanding the diverse functions of p53 and its role in cellular homeostasis and responsiveness to insult. Several viral proteins inactivate p53 as a modulator of cell cycle progression and apoptosis. Here, we report that a unique leporipoxviral transcription factor greatly increases levels of p53 mRNA. C7, an early transcription factor from malignant rabbit fibroma virus (MV), is an important determinant of MV virulence. Its effects on cellular gene expression were studied both during MV infection and in isolation, with C7 DNA cloned into a pKC4 expression plasmid. In both settings, C7 caused increased p53 mRNA levels. The increased p53 mRNA reflected new transcription. C7-induced increased transcription was selective: mRNAs for some cellular genes increased but those for many other genes (e.g., Bc12) were unchanged. Immunoblot and immunohistochemical analysis of pKC7-transfected and MV-infected cells showed that increased transcription led to an increase in p53 protein. EMSA analysis suggested that C7 bound the human p53 promoter between -240 and -614 bp. These studies document the direct effects of a viral transcription factor on cellular gene expression, specifically that it upregulates p53 transcription.
Thermal convection of soil air on hillsides

Although diffusion is usually considered to be the main transport process for volatile constituents in the unsaturated zone of soils and other surficial materials, an alternative process of thermally driven convection may be significant, especially on hillsides and over irregular bedrock. Convection in this mode is driven by buoyancy forces arising from differences in soil-air density in a temperature gradient. For bodies with sloping boundaries, the conventional Rayleigh criterion is not directly applicable, so that flow of air is possible in a wide variety of situations. Numerical simulations for several simple cases show that air convection is expected within relatively permeable materials such as sandy soils, gravel deposits, and talus on slopes.
Factors influencing the nitrification efficiency of fluidized bed filter with a plastic bead medium

The performance of fluidized bed nitrification filters charged with 2×4 ABS plastic beads (specific gravity 1.06) was evaluated. Three unique bed-height to diameter ratios were established, in triplicate, using column diameters of 12.7, 15.2 and 17.8 cm. Filters received water spiked with recycled nutrients and ammonia (TAN), from one of the three 500 l feed tank system. With daily ammonia loading fixed at 8.6 g per system, TAN removal increased with column diameter at each of four tests hydraulic loading rates (6, 8, 10 and 12 Lpm). TAN in recirculated water (influent) rose from 0.5 to 1.0 mg/l as ammonia loading increased from 180 mg/m2-day to 360 mg/m2-day. When hydraulic loading was fixed at 12 Lpm, TAN removal (%) was maximized with ammonia loadings ranging from 225 to 270 mg/m2-day. Biofilm thickness increased with ammonia loading, but decreased with increased hydraulic loading rates. Fluidized beds of ABS plastic beads were effective in reducing energy costs (head loss) of water treatment.
A comparative review of aging and B cell function in mice and humans

Immune system function declines with age. Here we review and compare age-associated changes in murine and human B cell pools and humoral immune responses. We summarize changes in B cell generation and homeostasis, as well as notable changes at the subcellular level; then discuss how these changes help to explain alterations in immune responses across the adult lifespan of the animal. In each section we compare and contrast findings in the mouse, arguably the best animal model of the aging immune system, with current understanding of B cell immunity in humans.
Numerical Simulation of Geological Carbon Sequestration in Saline Aquifers: Three Case Studies

Geological carbon sequestration (GCS) is one of the most promising technologies to address the issue of excessive anthropogenic CO2 emissions in the atmosphere due to fossil fuel combustion for electricity generation. For GCS, the saline aquifer geological carbon sequestration is considered very attractive compared to other options because of their huge sequestration capacity in U.S. and other parts of the world. However, in order to fully exploit their potential, the injection strategies need to be investigated that can address the issues of both the CO2 storage efficiency and safety along with their economic feasibility. Numerical simulations can be used to determine these strategies before the deployment of full scale sequestration in saline aquifers. This paper presents the numerical simulations of CO2 sequestration in three large identified saline aquifers (Mt. Simon, Frio, Utsira) where the sequestration is currently underway or has recently been completed (in case of Frio). The numerical simulations are in acceptable agreement with the seismic data available for plume migration. The results of large scale history-matching simulation in Mt. Simon, Frio, and Utsira formations provide important insights in the uncertainties associated with the numerical modeling of saline aquifer GCS.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Design And Fabrication Of Aspheric Holographic Optical Elements Using Computer-Generated Holograms.

Aspheric Holographic Optical Elements (HOEs) have been applied in areas such as optical testing, optical processing, and imaging. The aspheric HOE is generally represented during the design process in terms of its object and reference construction wavefronts, which may be defined in a number of ways such as point source locations, wavefront-forming lens surfaces, or analytic phase functions. We have pursued a design and fabrication process which takes advantage of the design flexibility provided by arbitrary analytic wavefront definitions. The goal of this process is to produce large, efficient, generally aspheric HOEs without the long lead times and high costs associated with fabricating generally aspheric wavefront-forming lenses. The physical realization of the HOE wavefronts is accomplished through a combination of readily-available lenses and computer-generated holograms (CGHs). An optical processor is employed in the wavefront-generating hardware which serves both to filter out unwanted CGH diffracted orders and to copy the filtered wavefront into a high-efficiency dichromated gelatin hologram. The processes of HOE wavefront definition, optical processor design, and CGH fringe generation are described along with practical limitations of the concept.
Cross-language facilitation, semantic blindness, and the relation between language and memory: a reply to Altarriba and Soltano.

This comment corrects some inaccuracies, points to some methodological problems, and makes three substantive observations regarding the Altarriba and Soltano (1996) article. First, token individuation theory does not explain what is new and interesting in the Altarriba and Soltano data, namely cross-language semantic facilitation in lists and a list-sentence effect, that is, a large difference in the effect of semantic repetition when identical translation equivalents occurred in sentences versus lists. Second, Altarriba and Soltano’s small and nonsignificant semantic blindness effect for translation equivalents in split-language sentences is attributable to the peculiar nature of their materials, procedures, analyses, and experimental design. These problems nullify their conclusion that semantic blindness does not occur, and we discuss several clear cases where semantic blindness has been demonstrated. Finally, we suggest an explanation for Altarriba and Soltano’s unexplained effects (cross-language facilitation and the list-sentence effect) and show why these effects are important for the general issue of relations between language and memory.
Conditions Simulating the Tetralogy of Fallot

Cyanosis on the basis of a right-to-left shunt at the ventricular level results from pulmonary stenosis associated with a ventricular septal defect. While the tetralogy of Fallot is the most common anatomic state underlying this functional abnormality, there are a variety of anatomic states which may yield the same functional disturbance. These may be divided into three groups depending upon the state of the major arterial vessels. In each of the first two of the three groups, there are two arterial vessels. In one group, the great vessels are in normal relationship to each other, while in the second group the great arteries are transposed. In the third group, one arterial vessel leaves the heart and, from it, branches carry blood to the lungs.
ON THE RELATIVE PERFORMANCE OF FUNCTIONAL AND CELLULAR LAYOUTS- AN ANALYSIS OF THE MODEL-BASED COMPARATIVE STUDIES LITERATURE

Paralleling the increased interest in cellular manufacturing in recent years, a large number of studies have emerged that focus on the relative performance of cell systems and the functionally organized systems they replace. This paper is an analysis of studies that use model-based, controlled experimentation to seek answers to the questions of if, when, and why cellular layouts outperform their functional counterparts. Twenty-four model-based studies are analyzed with respect to their definitions of cellular versus functional layouts, the experimental factors that have been investigated, the results concerning relative performance, and the findings' relevance to layout choice. We conclude that although the comparative studies have been very valuable in their efforts at identifying the factors that embody the essence of cells and shape performance improvements, most of the basic findings are known from past research. Furthermore, the studies' findings cannot assist practitioners in making specific choices between existing layouts and alternative cell systems. However, the totality of the findings reinforce our knowledge of how work systems in general can be designed and organized to reduce throughput time, and can also be used to identify environments and conditions for which conversions to cells may have more or less potential.
Comparative Effectiveness of Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy in Combination With Implantable Defibrillator in Patients With Heart Failure and Wide QRS Duration

Several clinical trials have established that cardiac resynchronization therapy in combination with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator improves survival and alleviates heart failure symptoms in appropriately selected patients. Recent guidelines have expanded the indications to include patients with less severe heart failure. The aim of this study was to examine the extent to which cardiac resynchronization therapy in combination with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator improves survival and reduces risk for heart failure hospitalization in United States Medicare patients who met class I or class IIa recommendations. Propensity score methods were used to assess survival and rehospitalization outcomes in Medicare patients. Among patients who met class I recommendations, those with combined cardiac resynchronization therapy had significantly lower risk for death (hazard ratio [HR] 0.83, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.77 to 0.88, p
The Social Construction of Gender in the Superintendency.

The public school superintendency in the United States is overwhelmingly socially constructed as masculine even though the educator workforce from which superintendents are drawn is 75% female. Predictably, those who teach, research and write about the superintendency in the US, again overwhelmingly male, have largely reinforced the sexist gendering of this critical leadership position. In contrast, this study explores how three women superintendents engaged, in a complex fashion, the gendered social construction of the super intendency as they conducted the daily work of leading school districts in the state of Texas. This study also verifies for feminists in other national contexts the critical need for feminist research to be conducted in a wide variety of national contexts, especially because the feminist work of one specific context may be very different than that of another. The study ends with recommendations that fit Texas and the US at the beginning of the 21st century.
Heat transfer at an upstream-facing surface washed by fluid en route to an aperture in the surface

Abstract Forced convection heat transfer coefficients were measured at a plane surface pierced by an aperture (or tube inlet) of diameter d into which fluid flows from a large upstream space. Heat transfer effects were confined to a portion of the surface contained within an annulus of outer diameter D which surrounds the aperture. The experiments were carried out for several values of the d/D ratio ranging from 1/6 to 1/14.4, and for each fixed d/D the Reynolds number was varied parametrically over a range that spanned a factor of five. Dimensional analysis led to a Reynolds number Re involving the rate of mass flow through the aperture and the outer diameter D of the thermally active region. The end result of the dimensional analysis indicated that for a fixed Prandtl number, the Nusselt number could depend on both Re and d/D. When the Nusselt number data for all cases were brought together on a single graph which spanned more than a decade in Reynolds number, no dependence on d/D was observed. The data are very well correlated by the equation Nu=2.88 Re0.452 Pr1/3 over the range from Re=200 to 3000. It was also found that the average rate of heat transfer per unit area drops off sharply as the outer diameter of the thermally active annular region increases.
Amino-terminal pro-brain-type natriuretic peptide: heart or lung disease in pediatric respiratory distress?

Context Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) is secreted mainly by cardiac ventricular myocytes in response to stretching, and its plasma levels are related to left ventricular filling pressures. BNP has been found to be a good marker for cardiac dysfunction in adults. Its utility in children has not been as widely studied. Objectives To determine whether plasma levels of amino-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (N-BNP) could differentiate between heart failure and lung disease among infants with acute respiratory distress, and whether plasma levels of N-BNP could be used to monitor the effects of treatment in infants with heart failure. Design Longitudinal cohort study. Setting A university hospital in Jerusalem, Israel. Participants Infants (age range, 1 to 36 months; median age, 10 months) who presented with respiratory distress underwent physical examination, plasma N-BNP measurement, and echocardiography within 24 hours after admission. Seventeen infants were finally diagnosed with acute heart failure, and 18 were diagnosed with acute lung disease. Thirteen healthy infants served as a control group. Main Outcome Measure Plasma N-BNP levels. Results Plasma N-BNP levels were significantly higher for the infants with heart failure (median, 18 452 pg/mL; range: 5375-99 700 pg/mL) than for the infants with lung disease (median, 311 pg/mL; range, 76 to 1341 pg/mL). Among the infants with heart failure, there was a significant difference in plasma N-BNP levels before and after treatment for congestive heart failure. Conclusions In infants with respiratory distress, plasma N-BNP measurements can differentiate between acute heart failure and lung disease and can be used to monitor the effects of treatment in infants with heart failure.
Epigenomic elements enriched in the promoters of autoimmunity susceptibility genes

Genome-wide association studies have identified a number of autoimmune disease-susceptibility genes. Whether or not these loci share any regulatory or functional elements, however, is an open question. Finding such common regulators is of considerable research interest in order to define systemic therapeutic targets. The growing amount of experimental genomic annotations, particularly those from the ENCODE project, provide a wealth of opportunities to search for such commonalities. We hypothesized that regulatory commonalities might not only delineate a regulatory landscape predisposing to autoimmune diseases, but also define functional elements distinguishing specific diseases. We further investigated if, and how, disease-specific epigenomic elements can identify novel genes yet to be associated with the diseases. We evaluated transcription factors, histone modifications, and chromatin state data obtained from the ENCODE project for statistically significant over- or under-representation in the promoters of genes associated with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), and Systemic Sclerosis (SSc). We identified BATF, BCL11A, IRF4, NFkB, PAX5, and PU.1 as transcription factors over-represented in SLE- and RA-susceptibility gene promoters. H3K4me1 and H3K4me2 epigenomic marks were associated with SLE susceptibility genes, and H3K9me3 was common to both SLE and RA. In contrast to a transcriptionally active signature in SLE and RA, SSc-susceptibility genes were depleted in activating epigenomic elements. Using epigenomic elements enriched in SLE and RA, we identified additional immune and B cell signaling-related genes with the same elements in their promoters. Our analysis suggests common and disease-specific epigenomic elements that may define novel therapeutic targets for controlling aberrant activation of autoimmune susceptibility genes.
Quantum dynamics of exciton lasers

Abstract We analyze the quantum dynamics of an exciton boser or laser — a device that generates a coherent population of nonequilibrium excitons. After deriving the master equation for the exciton boser in the Born-Markov approximation, we use a stochastic wave function approach to demonstrate that an approximately coherent state of excitons is generated from the vacuum state . The quantum theory that we develop allows us to analyze the effects of exciton-exciton interactions on coherent state formation. We demonstrate that the line width reduction obtained in a boser is limited by the strength of these interactions.
Interstitial Space Design in Modern Laboratories

Modern laboratory design and construction is becoming increasingly complex with advancements in mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and specialty system technologies. Laboratory projects often have critical schedules and rigorous maintenance and operations requirements. The use of interstitial spaces that create additional floors for mechanical systems is a design strategy that can facilitate both the construction and operation of laboratories. By providing additional space and easier access to mechanical systems, interstitial designs facilitate maintenance and reconfiguration of laboratories, thus reducing life cycle costs. Despite these and other advantages, the use of interstitial space is often eliminated as a laboratory design option due to perceptions of high first costs. This paper presents an analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of interstitial space design as an alternative to traditional plenum construction. The opinions of experienced operators, designers and builders of interstitial building spaces are presented. Survey results of design and construction professionals are presented illustrating current perceptions (and misconceptions) of interstitial spaces as a design alternative for laboratories. Finally, a detailed interdisciplinary case study redesign is used to illustrate the comprehensive effects of introducing an interstitial space design in an actual modern laboratory in which a 1.6-year payback was achieved on the investment in an interstitial design alternative. The research concludes increased first costs can potentially be offset by savings in construction time, and that valuable savings in maintenance and operation costs help to justify the use of interstitial space design solutions.
Genetic Diversity in Gossypium hirsutum and the Origin of Upland Cotton

Gossypium hirsutum has a large indigenous range encompassing most of Mesoamerica and the Caribbean, where it exhibits a diverse array of morphological forms spanning the wild-to-domesticated continuum. Modern, highly improved varieties ("Upland cotton"), which currently account for about 90% of world cotton commerce, are day-length neutral annuals derived from subtropical, perennial antecedents. To assess levels and patterns of genetic variation in the species and to elucidate the origin of Upland cotton, 538 accessions representing the full spectrum of morphological and geographical diversity were analyzed for allozyme variation at 50 loci. Levels of variation are modest overall but are low in Upland cotton. Relationships among accessions reflect pre-Columbian influences of aboriginal peoples and later European colonists superimposed on the preagricultural pattern. In contrast to expectations, two centers of diversity are evident, one in southern Mexico-Guatemala and the other in the Caribbean. Introgression of G. barbadense genes into G. hirsutum has been common in a broad area of sympatry in the Caribbean. The germplasm of present cultivars traces to Mexican highland stocks, which, in turn, were derived from material originally from southern Mexico and Guatemala. Despite the widespread belief that germplasm from several other species has been incorporated into modern Upland stocks through intentional breeding efforts, the 50 Upland cultivars examined contain no unique alleles, suggesting that retention of genes from transspecific sources has been minimal. The most recent infraspecific treatment, which recognizes seven races, does not adequately represent genetic relationships. The genus Gossypium L. includes four species of cultivated cottons, providing the world's most important textile fiber and its second most valuable oil and meal seed. At present, American tetraploid species (G. barbadense L. and G. hirsutum L.) dominate worldwide cotton production, having displaced virtually all Old World diploid cultivars (G. arboreum L. and G. herbaceum L.; Hutchinson, 1959; Lee, 1984). Gossypium barbadense ("Extra-long staple," "Pima" or "Egyptian" cotton) is favored for some purposes due to its long, strong, and fine fibers, but its relatively low yield has limited its importance to about 8% of total world production (Lee, 1984). The bulk of the world's cotton is supplied by modem cultivars ("Upland cotton") of G. hirsutum. Upland cultivars currently are grown in more than 40 nations in both tropical and temperate latitudes, from 470 N in the Ukraine and 370 N in the United States to 320 S in South America and Australia (Niles and Feaster, 1984). In 1990, 12.4 million acres of cotton were grown in the United States alone, and its aggregate (fiber and seed) market value totaled approximately $5.5 billion (Anonymous, 1990).
Analysis of the Reorientational Motion of C60 in Toluene-d8: Effects of Solute−Solvent Interactions on Rotational Times in Various Solvents

Studies probing the molecular dynamics of C60 in various environments, and conditions, have been generating a great deal of attention since these investigations have the potential of providing baseline information that might be useful in predicting similar behavior in other members of the fullerene family. We have used 13C spin−lattice relaxation measurements to analyze the rotational motion of C60 in toluene-d8 and have compared these results with data obtained in carbon disulfide and 1,2-dichlorobenzene-d4. We found that the reorientational times, τc, of C60 in these solvents did not conform to conventional viscosity arguments but were better correlated to the strength of solute−solvent interactions. Consequently, our attempt at theoretically duplicating our correlation times via hydrodynamic-based models proved unsuccessful. Nevertheless, our observations suggest that the success of any future theoretical models will be critically dependent on whether solvent effects are included in the analysis of thi...
Log-Pearson Type 3 Distribution and Its Application in Flood Frequency Analysis. III: Sample Skew and Weighted Skew Estimators

The accuracy of flood quantile estimates is constrained by the data available at a site. To improve the accuracy of quantile estimators, Bulletin 17B recommends combining the station skew with a regional skew using the inverse of their mean square errors (MSEs) as weights. While these weights can yield the minimum MSE skewness estimator, they do not provide the minimum MSE quantile estimators except when the true at-site skew is zero. In this paper, optimal weights which provide minimum MSE quantile estimators are derived. A Monte Carlo experiment illustrates the value of different weighting schemes and the value of using an informative regional skew. For reasonable values of the regional skew, the MSE of quantile estimators is reduced when the sample skew is combined with an informative regional skew. Modest improvements in the MSE of quantile estimates are obtained using optimal quantile weights rather than the MSE-skew weights. When the regional skew is actually very informative, there is a large loss ...
Modeling Information Utility in Systems of Systems

This paper proposes a methodology for examining the effect of pervasive information in a system of systems environment. The paper commences with the context and background of the net-centric environment. An analytic framework is then suggested to describe the effect of increasing information on operations. This is followed by description of the simulation experiment, experimental results and next steps.
Excitation and Ionization of Hydrogen Atoms by Electron Impact

The classical cross sections of Gryzinski for the excitation and ionization of atomic hydrogen by electron impacts are compared with existing experimental and theoretical cross sections. For excitation from the ground to the first excited states of atomic hydrogen, the classical cross section reproduces the experimental cross section to within a factor of 2 from the excitation threshold to an electron impact energy of about 20 atomic units. For ionization from the ground state of atomic hydrogen, the classical cross section reproduces the experimental cross section to within a factor of 2 from 0.02 atomic units above threshold to about 400 atomic units. A comparison of the classical cross sections with all available Born-approximation cross sections shows that although the classical cross sections are always smaller, they agree quite well with the Born cross sections except at very high energies. However for energies less than 100 atomic units the classical cross sections always agree with the Born cross sections to better than a factor of three. A comparison of experimental "electron-ion" recombination coefficients and theoretical recombination coefficients, obtained by using the classical cross sections, suggests that at low energies, the classical cross sections for transitions between low excited levels cannot be in error by more than a factor of 2.
Joint diagnosis of process and sensor faults using principal component analysis

Abstract This paper presents a unified approach to process and sensor fault detection, identification, and reconstruction via principal component analysis. The principal component analysis model partitions the measurement space into a principal component subspace where normal variation occurs, and a residual subspace that faults may occupy. Both process faults and sensor faults are characterized by a direction vector, which describes the behavior of the fault. Fault reconstruction is accomplished by sliding the sample vector as close as possible to the principal component subspace. When the actual fault is assumed, the maximum reduction in the squared prediction error is achieved. A fault-identification index is defined in terms of the reconstructed squared prediction error. Fault detectability, reconstructability, and identifiability conditions are derived and demonstrated with a geometric interpretation. Numerous examples are provided to verify the method and conditions derived in the paper. An unreconstructed variance is defined and used to determine the number of principal components for best reconstruction. The proposed approach is applied to a data set from an industrial boiler process.
Theoretical paramagnetic form factors for hcp transition metals

The paramagnetic form factor of a metal gives detailed information about the response of the metal to an external static magnetic field. Measurements of this quantity by elastic neutron scattering have been carried out for many paramagnetic transition metals in the past decades. Theoretical understanding of these results has been slow to develop because the orbital contribution of the band electrons to the magnetic moment is difficult to calculate. Recently, we have performed a series of rather accurate form-factor calculations for cubic transition metals and in this paper the same considerations are extended to hexagonal-closed-packed systems. Results based on local-density bands have been obtained for Sc, Lu, Zr, and Y, and there is reasonable overall agreement between theory and experiments.
Recurrent disc herniation and long-term back pain after primary lumbar discectomy: review of outcomes reported for limited versus aggressive disc removal.

OBJECTIVEIt remains unknown whether aggressive disc removal with curettage or limited removal of disc fragment alone with little disc invasion provides a better outcome for the treatment of lumbar disc herniation with radiculopathy. We reviewed the literature to determine whether outcomes reported a
Intrinsic connections between representation zones in the cat motor cortex

The functional organization of intrinsic connections in the cat motor cortex was examined by combining intracortical microstimulation with neuroanatomical tracers. After single injections of a dye into a cortical site from which wrist flexion was evoked, clusters of retrogradely labeled somata and of anterogradely labeled axon terminals were found throughout the forelimb representation zones. These intrinsic connections rarely involved representation zones of the hindlimb or the face musculature. These data indicate that extensive intracortical connections mediate reciprocal synaptic interactions among groups of cells involved in the execution of different movement segments. These clustered, horizontal connections may be used for coordinating the activity of different cortical representations for the execution of complex movements, and may also be involved in the pliability of motor representation maps.
14N nuclear quadrupole resonance study of the nucleotide base pair 1-methylcytosine hemihydroiodide hemihydrate

Abstract The 14 nuclear quadrupole resonance (NQR) spectrum at 77 K of the base pair (1-methylcytosine) 2 HI·H 2 O was observed using a field-cycling double-resonance method. The 14 N data clearly distinguish between the proton-bearing imino-type nitrogen and the counterpart nitrogen that shares in the hydrogen bonding. Although signals ascribed to all the types of nitrogen in the compound are observed, only ν + for the N-methyl nitrogen (N 1 ) is seen. The relatively low value of e 2 Qq zz h for the nonprotonated imino nitrogen of cytosine suggests a corresponding relatively high π orbital population. Nevertheless, upon protonation, the π-electron density increases considerably; the result is that e 2 Qq zz h for the protonated imino nitrogen in the base pair is quite high; the Z of the electric field gradient tensor lies normal to the plane of the molecule, along the π-orbital direction.
Interactions between impala and oxpeckers at Matobo National Park, Zimbabwe

Summary In order to better understand the symbiotic relationship of the oxpecker-mammal association and the role that oxpeckers play in controlling their hosts’ tick burdens, interactions between yellow-billed oxpeckers (Buphugus ufricanus) and impala (Aepyceros melumpus) were investigated at Matobo National Park, Zimbabwe during the wet and dry seasons. Oxpeckers devoted 30-35% of attendance time to foraging upon impala hosts. The ears were preferred for foraging above all other body regions, and foraging sessions directed to the ears were longer than sessions on other areas, apparently due to high tick infestation on host ears. Two-thirds of adult ticks (mostly the blue tick Boophilus decolorutus) collected from impala females were from the ears, and heavy infestations of immature ticks on the ears were common. The majority of oxpecker foraging (71-74%) was directed to the ear, head, and neck area where impala are unable to self-oral groom. Most adult ticks (75-77%) were found on the ears, head, and neck of sampled impala, indicating that oxpeckers foraged so as to maximize adult tick intake. Adult tick abundance in the vegetation, and presumably on impala, was much greater in the wet season than in the dry season. Oxpeckers spent significantly less time foraging upon impala in the wet season compared with the dry season, reflecting the presumed greater abundance of adult ticks on hosts during this time. Impala hosts tolerated oxpeckers 86% of the time, and 42% of oxpeckertolerant impala accommodated foraging activity by lowering an ear, inclining the head, or standing still. An interaction was apparent between the tick-removal strategies of oxpeckers and their impala hosts in that impala reduced their grooming rate when oxpeckers foraged upon them to 11-36% of their grooming rate in the absence of oxpeckers, thereby reducing the cost of tick control.
Joint modeling longitudinal semi-continuous data and survival, with application to longitudinal medical cost data

It has been increasingly common to analyze simultaneously repeated measures and time to failure data. In this paper we propose a joint model when the repeated measures are semi-continuous, characterized by the presence of a large portion of zero values, as well as right skewness of non zero (positive) values. Examples include monthly medical costs, car insurance annual claims, or annual number of hospitalization days. A random effects two-part model is used to describe respectively the odds of being positive and the level of positive values. The random effects from the two-part model are then incorporated in the hazard of the failure time to form the joint model. The estimation can be carried out by Gaussian quadrature techniques conveniently implemented in SAS Proc NLMIXED. Our model is applied to longitudinal (monthly) medical costs of 1455 chronic heart-failure patients from the clinical data repository at the University of Virginia.
The relationship of recirculation to access blood flow

The relationship between vascular access recirculation and access blood flow has been obscured by measurement techniques that overestimate recirculation. We measured brachial artery blood flow (a surrogate for access blood flow) using Doppler ultrasound and access recirculation using a two-needle slow/stop flow method and the standard peripheral vein method in 77 chronic hemodialysis patients. These patients had 25 native arteriovenous fistulae and 52 polytetrafluoroethylene grafts. Access recirculation by the slow/stop flow method was uniformly absent in these patients unless their access blood flow rate was less than the dialyzer blood flow rate. The peripheral vein method averaged 10.7% in these patients; many values were considerably higher. We conclude that access recirculation is a function of access blood flow and does not occur (in the absence of or reversed needle cannulation) unless access blood flow is markedly impaired.
Age impairments in sleep, metabolic and immune functions

Age-related sleep impairments are chronic and common, occurring even in the absence of diagnosable disorders. Additional loss of sleep occurs with clinical sleep disorders, many of which can be ameliorated. This literature, reviewed below, raises the question of the possible biological consequences of age-related, chronic sleep loss, an area that is poorly understood at present. Some of the more age-relevant theories about sleep loss will be explored in a review of current research on sleep deprivation arising from normal aging, experimental induction and pathology. The biological consequences of sleep deprivation in young adults include metabolic, systemic inflammatory and immune changes that are similar to those of aging and age-related disorders. The possibility that chronic sleep impairment contributes to age changes in metabolism, systemic inflammation and immunocompetence is explored.
Variability in the management of the febrile infant under 2 months of age

The management in the emergency department of febrile infants less than 2 months of age is influenced by the standard of practice in the community. We sought to determine if uniform practices existed across the United States. Individual academically based faculty from 154 (61%) United States pediatric residency programs responding to a questionnaire on the emergency department management of febrile infants less than 2 months of age showed great variability. Twenty-nine respondents reported written policies and 103 reported informal but defined guidelines for the evaluation and management of infants seen at their institutions. There was little consensus among the respondents as to the definition of fever in this age group. Those at institutions with formal policies reported using more laboratory tests in the evaluation. Respondents differed on the number and types of tests used and on antibiotic administration. University affiliation, type of population served, or presence of advanced training programs in ambulatory pediatrics were not related to the type of policy. The care of the young febrile infant varies greatly.
Investigation of the photocatalytic degradation pathway of the urine metabolite, creatinine: The effect of pH

This study investigated the degradation pathway of creatinine (a urine metabolite) with immobilized titanium dioxide photocatalysts. The degradation of creatinine was studied at three different pH values (acidic, neutral and basic) in the absence of buffering solutions. The intermediates formed were identified by using electrospray ionization mass spectrometer (ESI–MS) in both negative and positive ion mode. Two distinct mechanistic pathways which govern the photocatalytic degradation of creatinine irrespective of the pH of the initial solution were identified. The initial solution pH affected only the selectivity between the two mechanisms. The primary oxidation steps of creatinine with hydroxyl radicals included demethylation, hydrogen abstraction, hydroxylation, oxidation, and ring opening. At acidic pH, additional transformation steps of the two mechanisms were identified. The intermediates detected in the positive ion mode, contained at least one atom of nitrogen in their structure, explaining the observed low nitrogen mineralization of creatinine with TiO2 photocatalysis. The intermediates in the negative ion mode were low molecular weight organic acids that contained only carbon and hydrogen atoms.
Managing “Open” Employees: Do Resources and Leadership Style Matter?

This article discusses why managers seek self-directed employees with a high degree of openness to experience, which they claim brings added value to the firm. Previous research has suggested that openness to experience hasn't necessarily ensured good job performance by employees. The author ponders whether the relationship between openness and job performance is elusive, or even non-existent. Studies focusing on employees from the public and private sector and their response to resource availability and leadership styles were analyzed. Research suggests that when resources are limited, employees will demonstrate less of a commitment to the organization.
Chlordiazepoxide-induced reversal of an amphetamine-established aversion: Dipsogenic effects

Chlordiazepoxide attenuated conditioned taste aversions if given prior to a one-bottle aversion test but had no effect if given prior to a two-bottle choice between water and the previously poisoned solution, suggesting that the attenuation resulted from chlordiazepoxide’s dipsogenic effect, independent of its reported disinhibitory effects on suppressed behavior. These results were discussed in relation to general assessments of chlordiazepoxide’s anti-punishment effects on fluid-motivated baselines.
ION-MOLECULE REACTION STUDIES OF HYDROXYL CATION AND IONIZED WATER WITH ETHYLENE

Rate coefficients and product branching ratios for the ion−molecule reactions of the hydroxyl cation, ionized water, and their deuterated analogues with ethylene have been determined using a select...