cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Functional and structural adaptations of skeletal muscle to microgravity

Our purpose is to summarize the major effects of space travel on skeletal muscle with particular emphasis on factors that alter function. The primary deleterious changes are muscle atrophy and the associated decline in peak force and power. Studies on both rats and humans demonstrate a rapid loss of cell mass with microgravity. In rats, a reduction in muscle mass of up to 37% was observed within 1 week. For both species, the antigravity soleus muscle showed greater atrophy than the fast-twitch gastrocnemius. However, in the rat, the slow type I fibers atrophied more than the fast type II fibers, while in humans, the fast type II fibers were at least as susceptible to space-induced atrophy as the slow fiber type. Space flight also resulted in a significant decline in peak force. For example, the maximal voluntary contraction of the human plantar flexor muscles declined by 20-48% following 6 months in space, while a 21% decline in the peak force of the soleus type I fibers was observed after a 17-day shuttle flight. The reduced force can be attributed both to muscle atrophy and to a selective loss of contractile protein. The former was the primary cause because, when force was expressed per cross-sectional area (kNm(-2)), the human fast type II and slow type I fibers of the soleus showed no change and a 4% decrease in force, respectively. Microgravity has been shown to increase the shortening velocity of the plantar flexors. This increase can be attributed both to an elevated maximal shortening velocity (V(0)) of the individual slow and fast fibers and to an increased expression of fibers containing fast myosin. Although the cause of the former is unknown, it might result from the selective loss of the thin filament actin and an associated decline in the internal drag during cross-bridge cycling. Despite the increase in fiber V(0), peak power of the slow type I fiber was reduced following space flight. The decreased power was a direct result of the reduced force caused by the fiber atrophy. In addition to fiber atrophy and the loss of force and power, weightlessness reduces the ability of the slow soleus to oxidize fats and increases the utilization of muscle glycogen, at least in rats. This substrate change leads to an increased rate of fatigue. Finally, with return to the 1g environment of earth, rat studies have shown an increased occurrence of eccentric contraction-induced fiber damage. The damage occurs with re-loading and not in-flight, but the etiology has not been established.
Medición de la desproporcionalidad electoral: una crítica a los mínimos cuadrados

This article is based on the assumption that political science has never satisfactory resolved the question of how disproportionality should be measured. Different alternatives are reviewed, the use of the simplest and most intuitive index of all is proposed, and a certain empty and counterproductive abuse of mathematical science is criticized.
STIMULUS CHAINGE AND HABITUATION OF THE ORIENTING RESPONSE

Eight hypotheses derived from Sokolov's theory of habituation of the orienting response were tested. Subjects were given a series of 36 standard stimuli (SSs). each 500 cps. Four interpolations of a 1000-cps test stimulus (TS) for one group (N = 10) and of a 4000-cps TS for another group (N = 10) were made. Results for amplitude of galvanic skin response (GSR) for combined groups showed that habituation occurred over the first eight SSs and over the four TSs, that a TS produced return of GSR and disrupted habituation to the SS, and that response was greater to the TS than to the following SS. The 4000 TS disrupted habituation to the SS more than the 1000 TS and produced less drop from the TS to the next SS. Seven hypotheses were confirmed. Habituation of resistance level was found but spontaneous fluctuations were not. Sokolov's theory and the results obtained were related to the classical conditioning of autonomic processes.
TEM Investigations of CdTe/GaAs(001) Interfaces

In this study, cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy (XTEM) was used to investigate the defect structure which occurs at the interface between CdTe(001) and GaAs(001). The heterostructures were fabricated by molecular beam epitaxy on chemically etched and thermally deoxidized GaAs(001) substrates as well as GaAs(001) buffer layers grown in-situ by molecular beam epitaxy. This allowed for investigation of the GaAs surface preparation on the subsequent interfacial structure. The as-etched substrate led to a microscopically rough interface with the CdTe depositing in etch pits on the GaAs surface, while growth on the buffer layer led to a macroscopically flat interface. Further, growth was accomplished on different Te-induced surface reconstructions ((6x1) vs (2x1)) in an effort to understand the role of the precursor surface treatment on the subsequent interfacial structure. In this case growth on the (6x1) reconstruction led to the introduction of (111)-oriented inclusions at the interface, while the (2x1) reconstruction led to pure (001)-oriented growth. A mechanism for the formation of planar defects at the CdTe/GaAs(001) interface is described which is based on local misorientations of the CdTe and GaAs. Finally, preliminary results of ex-situ annealing experiments on the interfacial defect structure will be discussed.
On the Origin of Stable Remanence in Pseudo-Single Domain Grains

The existence of pseudo-single domain (PSD) grains was postulated by F.D. Stacey in 1962 but a viable quantitative model for the magnetic moment of the canonical case of a PSD grain (a two domain grain with a single 180° wall) was explicitly derived only in 1974 by F.D. Stacey and S.K. Banerjee. According to this model, the net magnetic moment of a PSD grain arises from the wall moment alone and the high stability to alternating field demagnetization is mainly due to pinning of the wall by large surface anisotropy in such fine grains. Recent theoretical work in micromagnetics shows not only that the canonical case described above is a crude approximation but that the complexities of spin orientations in such grains are far too large so as to allow a theoretical prediction of the expected moments. Much more hope, however, can be gained from recent experimental studies on rare earth-cobalt alloys and yttrium iron garnet crystals. These studies support the basic contention that the role of surface anistropy is indeed the predominant one in explaining the high coercivity of PSD grains. These studies also provide useful experimental models for future research in this area in rock magnetism.
EQUIVALENCE OF QUESTIONNAIRE ITEMS WITH VARYING RESPONSE FORMATS

Questionnaire items used in survey and evaluation research are most frequently written so that the item stems have content or face validity; little attention is directed to the validity of the response alternatives. Yet numerous response alternative formats are available to the item constructor and the item validity question cannot be resolved without considering the response choices as a component of the whole item. When item scale points (response alternatives) are labeled (e.g., excellent to poor) and numbered (e.g., 1 to 5), do respondents choose by focusing on label meanings or by referencing the numeric scale? Do responses vary with the frame of reference used? If so, how does one interpret the mean score for a group? This uncertainty of interpretation is a validity problem, the importance of which is highlighted further if one views items in which only the endpoints are defined as the typical bipolar scale used with the semantic differential technique. If the responses to such items differ from responses to content-parallel items in which all response positions are defined, further research would be warranted to determine whether one format is more susceptible to rating errors of leniency or other sources of invalidity. This study was designed to provide answers to two questions regarding the response scales of questionnaire items: (a) Do random groups respond to the same item stem differently if all scale points are defined rather than just the endpoints? and (b) Do random groups respond to the same item stem differently if all scale points are labeled numerically rather than alphabetically? If subjects do respond differently to the same item stem when the response alternative format varies, then the items could be regarded as nonequivalent in the same sense as content-parallel achievement items which vary in difficulty level. The general validity problem and specific questions stated above have not been addressed directly in the studies of response schemes which have appeared in the literature. Follman (1974), for example, studied the polarity of sets of response alternatives but only defined scale endpoints with verbal descriptors on a 1-5 scale. A comparative analysis of standard and reworded questionnaire items was published by Jaeger and Freijo (1974), but they used verbal descriptors at each point of their five-choice numeric scale. Spector (1976) focused on the problem of ordinal data being interpreted as interval data with Likert-type scale items. The subjects in Spector's study merely ranked response alternatives; they did not use response categories in the context of responding to actual questionnaire items. Because the meanings of such categories as "satisfactory" or "excellent" probably vary with the item context with which they are associated, Spector's work appears to have questionable generalizability. Finn (1972) reported on two separate studies which involved varying scale point definitions for subjects who rated job complexity. Though he reported no significant effect on mean
Culture, Counting and Number Conservation

Abstract Children from 3 remote village populations in Papua New Guinea were administered notational counting and number conservation tasks. The results replicate previous research conducted in the United States that shows children develop the use of counting to mediate the comparison and reproduction of sets prior to understanding number conservation. The significance of these findings is discussed with respect to current models of number development.
The effects of errors in measurements of absorbance and time on the calculated value of a pseudo-first-order rate constant

Abstract When data on the variation with time of the absorbance of a reactant or product are used to evaluate the rate constant of a first- or pseudo-first-order reaction, the precision of the result depends on the precisions with which both the time and the absorbance are measured. The natures of the dependences, and the ways in which they are affected by both constant and linearly varying background absorbances, are examined. If the standard error σt of a measurement of time is below about 0.005 t 1 2 , the standard error of the rate constant is virtually identical for an experiment in which the concentration of the reactant is followed as for one in which the concentration of the product is followed, but for larger values of σt it is better to follow the concentration of the reactant. In any event, errors in the measurements of time are much more likely to be significant than they are usually assumed to be. Other sources of error in such experiments, including constant and time-dependent background absorbances, are examined more briefly, with emphasis on the requirements that should be satisfied in work of the highest quality.
Four Corners Research Consortium for Native Americans and cancer research

Cancer morbidity and mortality in Native Americans in the Southwestern four-corners region of the United States (Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah) is of critical concern to public health workers, health care providers, cancer researchers, and Native American communities of the region. As a follow-up to the national conference in Seattle, Washington, representatives from the Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah Cancer Centers, the AMC Cancer Research Center, and the Indian Health Service participated in a regional conference on September 26, 1995. The primary reason for the “Four Corners Consortium” meeting was to assess cancer research activities in each state and to determine how Native American cancer research could be organized in the four-state region. One interest of the group was to determine strategies to explore why some cancers are more or less prevalent among Southwest Native American populations and to evaluate how the group might jointly establish research that would address the cancer needs of Southwestern tribes. Cancer 1996;78:1629-32.
A 23Na NMR study of mixed cation β-aluminas

Abstract The 23Na NMR spectrum of Na, Ti β- and Na, Cd s-alumina can be understood in the same terms of cation site occupation used to interpret the spectrum of the pure Na crystal. The monovalent Tl ion enters the conduction plane and, up to a level of 60% of exchange, occupies the cation site in the singly occupied cell. The divalent Cd ion, on the other hand, moves initially into the doubly occupied cell, the cell that also contains the charge compensating oxygen. This difference in exchange behavior, as observed by NMR, can be related to differences in mixed cation behavior between these two mixed crystals.
X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy of transition metal ions attached to the surface of rod-shape anatase TiO2 nanocrystals

Abstract X-ray photoelectron spectra were obtained for a series of M–TiO2 samples in which transition metal ions are directly attached to the surface of anatase TiO2 nanocrystals. The samples were prepared using CrCl3·nH2O, MnCl2·nH2O, FeCl2·nH2O, CoCl2·nH2O, NiCl2·nH2O, and CuCl2·nH2O as metal sources. We observed spontaneous air oxidation of the metal for the Mn–TiO2 and Fe–TiO2 samples as indicated by rapid color changes. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) data confirms the oxidation states of the metals Cr, Co, and Ni are unchanged from the precursor, Mn and Fe are oxidized, and Cu is in a more reduced state. The reduction of Cu likely arises during the XPS experiment – a phenomenon well-documented in the literature; whereas UV–Vis data of the Cu–TiO2 dispersions are consistent with Cu2+.
Conformations of GlynH+ and AlanH+ Peptides in the Gas Phase

High-resolution ion mobility measurements and molecular dynamics simulations have been used to probe the conformations of protonated polyglycine and polyalanine (Gly(n)H and Ala(n)H+, n = 3-20) in the gas phase. The measured collision integrals for both the polyglycine and the polyalanine peptides are consistent with a self-solvated globule conformation, where the peptide chain wraps around and solvates the charge located on the terminal amine. The conformations of the small peptides are governed entirely by self-solvation, whereas the larger ones have additional backbone hydrogen bonds. Helical conformations, which are stable for neutral Alan peptides, were not observed in the experiments. Molecular dynamics simulations for Ala(n)H+ peptides suggest that the charge destabilizes the helix, although several of the low energy conformations found in the simulations for the larger Ala(n)H+ peptides have small helical regions.
Modelling the MOS transistor

Issues associated with the static and transient modelling of the MOS transistor in subthreshold are investigated. The assumptions used in the literature to derive the DC model are examined. These assumptions are justified for long channel transistors while their invalidity for short channel transistors are demonstrated. The phenomena responsible for the departure from the long channel behaviour are discussed. DC models for long and short channel MOS valid in all regions of operation are presented. The key features in modelling the transient behaviour are analysed with special attention to the issue of obtaining an analytical expression for the channel charge density.
The Effects of Bevel Angulation on Marginal Integrity

Despite careful preparation of a full-coverage restoration, a small gap will remain between the margin of the restoration and the finishing line of the prepared tooth. The angle of the bevel at the finish line can determine the size of this discrepancy.
Stochastic Forcing and Prediction of Low-Frequency Planetary Scale Flow

Abstract A dynamical model incorporating observed field data is used to estimate the potential importance of linear and nonlinear vorticity advection to climate forecast models. Forecasts of 30-day averages benefit from inclusion of the linear advection term, but the nonlinear advection appears only marginally helpful. For intermediate averaging times (e.g., 10 days), both advection terms appear to be important. Analysis of the nonlinear terms suggests that they could be most adequately parameterized as a noise process that is “white” in wavenumber space and “red” in the time domain.
Study design and sample sizes for a lacI transgenic mouse mutation assay.

Design features that adjust and account for excess variation in a transgenic mouse mutation assay based on a lacl target transgene from E. coli are considered. These features include proper identification of plate, packaging reaction, and animal identifier codes throughout the experimental and analysis phases of the study, «blocking» of exposed and unexposed animals when preparing and plating multiple packaging reactions from the same genomic DNA sample, separating sectored mutant plaques and complete mutant plaques before performing any quantitative analyses, and testing for sources of excess variation attributable to features of the experimental protocol-such as plate-to-plate (within packaging reactions), packaging reaction-to-packaging reaction (within animals), and animal-to-animal (within study). Control and ethylnitrosourea-treated animal data are presented from a fully designed study in the lacl assay. The study design incorporates many of these experimental principles. Statistical methods to identify excess variability are noted, and the designed study data are used to illustrate the types of variability encountered in practice. A standard statistical test for two-sample testing is highlighted, from which recommendations are made for sample size selection in future studies
Providing Crisis Counseling to New Yorkers after the Terrorist Attack on the World Trade Center

This article provides an overview of two crisis intervention techniques used by a marriage and family counselor who served as a crisis counselor in New York City after the September 11th terrorist attack. The intervention techniques described are Critical Incident Stress Debriefing and one-on-one crisis counseling. An overview of both techniques as well as the actual application are described.
Temporal variation in substratum-specific rates of N uptake and metabolism and their contribution at the stream-reach scale

AbstractWhole-stream rates of nutrient uptake and metabolism vary with season in forested headwater streams, but seasonal variation in rates at the substratum scale, which collectively generate whole-stream patterns, have not previously been quantified. We measured gross primary production (GPP), community respiration (CR), and NO3− uptake rates (NO3− U) on 7 substrata using in situ microcosms during spring, summer, and autumn in 3 headwater streams in northern Michigan. We quantified the areal reach coverage of each substratum, scaled NO3− U and metabolism to the stream reach (100 m), and compared scaled NO3− U to whole-stream NO3− U (measured using short-term nutrient additions). Patterns of GPP, CR, and NO3− U were different among substratum types and seasons. Substratum-specific NO3− U was positively related to GPP on epilithic biofilms and to CR on epixylic biofilms, bryophytes, and coarse and fine benthic organic matter (FBOM). During summer, large wood and FBOM accounted for 86% of reach-scale NO3−...
LONG-TERM SURVIVAL OF A PATIENT WITH LEPTOMENINGEAL INVOLVEMENT BY NASOPHARYNGEAL CARCINOMA AFTER TREATMENT WITH HIGH-DOSE INTRAVENOUS METHOTREXATE

Leptomeningeal metastasis from nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) occurs in fewer than 5% of patients.1-3 However, direct intracranial extension is more common because of the anatomic proximity of the nasopharynx to the skull base, occurring among nearly 17% of patients who present with locoregionally advanced, T4 tumors,4,5 and between 8% and 30% with cranial neuropathies.6-9 Fewer than 10 case reports exist in the literature of patients with NPC and leptomeningeal involvement,3,10 and none reports clinical resolution of neurological deficits. In this report, we describe a patient with extensive involvement of the neuroaxis by tumor who was successfully treated with high-dose intravenous methotrexate. The chemotherapeutic choice of methotrexate was based on its activity in head and neck cancer, reported activity in leptomeningeal disease in solid tumors, and an evolving standard of care for its use as primary therapy in primary central nervous system lymphoma.
In Vitro Reconstitution and Substrate Specificity of a Lantibiotic Protease

Lacticin 481 is a lanthionine-containing bacteriocin (lantibiotic) produced by Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis. The final steps of lacticin 481 biosynthesis are proteolytic removal of an N-terminal leader sequence from the prepeptide LctA and export of the mature lantibiotic. Both proteolysis and secretion are performed by the dedicated ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter LctT. LctT belongs to the family of AMS (ABC transporter maturation and secretion) proteins whose prepeptide substrates share a conserved double-glycine type cleavage site. The in vitro activity of a lantibiotic protease has not yet been characterized. This study reports the purification and in vitro activity of the N-terminal protease domain of LctT (LctT150), and its use for the in vitro production of lacticin 481. The G(−2)A(−1) cleavage site and several other conserved amino acid residues in the leader peptide were targeted by site-directed mutagenesis to probe the substrate specificity of LctT as well as shed light upon the role...
A QuasUinear-Approximation Model for Turbulent Shear Flow

Within the small turbulence Reynolds number approximation, closed form solutions are found for the equations governing the random fluctuations of hydrodynamic turbulence, under the assumption of special time-dependent uniform or sheared mean flow profiles. Constant, transient, and oscillatory flows are considered. It is found that in most cases the velocity correlation and, in turn, the turbulent kinetic energy are attenuated exponentially with respect to time. For sheared flows it is possible that the turbulent energy grows with time for a while but eventually decays again.
An AI-based shell for linking thermal and form-making considerations

Over the past few years, our team has developed several computer-based models in the areas of architectural form-making and thermal analysis. These programs were designed to deal with specific problems and use a range of techniques including machine vision, knowledge-based systems, and artificial intelligence techniques. Recently, a project that integrates these systems was initiated. Its objective is to design an intelligent computer shell that forms the basis for this integration in the domain of architecture. The paper discusses the development of the shell and its use to analyze and study architectural form and its determinants. The shell accommodates modules that link the morphological structure of architectural design with more of its determinants (e.g., structural, acoustical, and lighting considerations, as well as code requirements). The paper presents and discusses the background of the shell, its structure, its methods of knowledge representation, and an example of its use.
An inexpensive method for remotely monitoring nest activity

ABSTRACT In studies of avian nest success, investigators often face the difficult task of periodically checking nest status while at the same time limiting observer influence on nest survival. Remotely monitoring nests using temperature data loggers is one method that allows for continuous data capture regarding nest status (i.e., active vs. inactive) without the negative effects associated with repeated nest checks. We used small temperature data loggers (Thermochron iButtons) to remotely monitor nests of Long-billed Curlews (Numenius americanus) in northeastern Nevada. Data loggers programmed to record temperature at 10-min and 20-min intervals were placed in curlew nests. Data loggers were set to collect data throughout the nesting cycle to determine onset of incubation and timing of nest failure. On average, Long-billed Curlews began incubating approximately 3 d after the first egg was laid and onset of incubation coincided with the laying of the third egg. iButtons allowed us to determine when incubation was terminated in 17 of 23 unsuccessful Long-billed Curlew nests, including 13 of 17 depredated nests. The presence of iButtons in Long-billed Curlew nests did not affect daily survival rate, egg hatchability or rate of nest abandonment. iButtons are an efficient and practical means for remotely monitoring nests of large egg-laying birds, such as the Long-billed Curlew. SINOPSIS En estudios de exito de anidamiento, los investigadores muchas veces se encuentran con la dificultad de examinar el nido, tratando de limitar la infuencia del observador en la sobrevivencia de las aves. Uno de los metodos de monitoreo remoto es el uso de bitacoras electronicas de temperatura que permiten tomar datos de forma continua en un nido (e.g., activo vs inactivo) sin los efectos negativos asociados con el examen periodico del mismo. Utilizamos bitacoras electronicas de temperatura (Thermochron iButtons) para monitorear nidos de chorlo (Numenius americanus) en el norte de Nevada. El instrumento se programo para tomar la temperatura dentro del nido a intervalos de 10 a 20 minutos. El instrumento se utilizo para tomar datos a traves del ciclo de anidamiento del ave para determinar el comienzo de la incubacion y el momento en que el nido fuera abandonado. En promedio los chorlos comienzan a incubar aproximadamente tres dias despues de puesto el primer huevo, lo que coincide con la puesta del tercer huevo. iButtons permitio determinar el final del periodo de incubacion de 13 de 17 nidos depredados. La presencia del instrumento en los nidos de chorlo no afecto la tasa diaria de sobrevivencia, tampoco el eclosionamiento o la tasa de abandono. Las bitacoras utilizadas son eficientes y ademas una forma practica de monitorear a remoto los nidos de aves grandes tales como el chorlo estudiado.
Father-daughter incest: a clinical report.

Five cases have been briefly presented of men who have had overt incestuous sexual relationships with their own daughters. Of particular note was the striking similarity evinced by these five men on psychological testing. The role of the wives and children in these “family neuroses”, was also discussed, and comparisons were made with previously reported clinical data.
Compton recoil electron tracking with silicon strip detectors

The application of silicon strip detectors to Compton gamma-ray astronomy telescopes is described. The silicon Compton recoil telescope tracks Compton recoil electrons in silicon strip converters to provide a unique direction for Compton-scattered gamma rays above 1 MeV. With strip detectors of modest positional and energy resolutions of 1 mm full width at half maximum (FWHM) and 3% at 662 keV, respectively, true imaging can be achieved to provide an order of magnitude improvement in sensitivity to 1.6*10/sup -6/ gamma /cm/sup 2/-s at 2 MeV. The results of extensive Monte Carlo calculations of recoil electrons traversing multiple layers of 200- mu m silicon wafers are presented. Multiple Coulomb scattering of the recoil electron in the silicon wafer of the Compton interaction and the next adjacent wafer is the basic limitation to determining the electron's initial direction. >
Scoliosis and the respiratory system

Scoliosis is caused by the lateral displacement and rotation of the vertebral bodies. It is most common during periods of rapid somatic growth. Scoliosis impedes on the movement of the ribs, places the respiratory muscles at a mechanical disadvantage and displaces the various organs of the thoracic cavity. Scoliosis decreases the chest wall compliance directly and the lung compliance indirectly (due to progressive atelectasis and air-trapping), causing a significant increase in the work of breathing that, because of the associated respiratory muscle weakness may lead to chronic respiratory failure. Progressive pulmonary hypertension also constitutes a leading cause for morbidity and mortality. Scoliosis is not reversible, but it can be controlled. Routine screening should start early and continue until the child reaches skeletal maturation. Pulmonary function testing can provide an easy and reliable means for the evaluation and follow-up of the condition.
Slotted gaussian multiple access channel: stable throughput region and role of side information

We study the relation between the stable throughput regions and the capacity regions for a Gaussian multiple-access channel. Our main focus is to study how the extent of side information about source arrival statistics and/or instantaneous queue states at each transmitter influence the achievable stable throughput region. Two notions of MAC capacity are studied. The first notion is the conventional Shannon capacity which relies on large coding block lengths for finite SNR, while the second uses finite code blocks with high SNR. We find that the stable throughput region coincides with the Shannon capacity region for many scenarios of side information, where side information is defined as a mix of statistical description and instantaneous queue states. However, a lack of sufficient side information about arrival statistics can lead to a significant reduction in the stable throughput region. Finally, our results lend strong support to centralized architectures implementing some form of congestion/rate control to achieve Shannon capacity, primarily to counter lack of detailed information about source statistics at the mobile nodes.
Web advertising: gender differences in beliefs, attitudes and behavior

Previous research suggests males and females exhibit different beliefs about and attitudes toward traditional media advertising along with different advertising stimulated consumer behaviors. However, little is known about gender differences in consumer beliefs about Web advertising versus other media, attitude toward Web advertising, or Web advertising associated consumer behavior. Survey results indicate males and females differ significantly on several dimensions with males exhibiting more positive beliefs about Web advertising and more positive attitudes toward Web advertising than females. Additionally, males are more likely than females to purchase from the Web and surf the Web for functional and entertainment reasons, whereas females are more likely to surf the Web for shopping reasons.
Electrolytic Conductivity and Glass Transition Temperature as Functions of Salt Content, Solvent Composition, or Temperature for LiPF6 in Propylene Carbonate + Diethyl Carbonate

The electrolyte system of LiBF4 in propylene carbonate (PC) + diethyl carbonate (DEC) was measured for its electrolytic conductivity κ at salt molalities m, solvent mass fractions w, and temperatures θ in the ranges of (0.2 to 2.1) mol kg-1 for m, (0 to 0.7) for w of DEC and (−80 to 60) °C for θ, and for its glass transition temperatures Tg in the same ranges of m and w. The measured κ(m,w) data at different θ were further fitted with an extended version of the Casteel−Amis equation in order to correlate the changes of κ with simultaneous changes of m and w and with θ. The κ surfaces according to these fitted equations all assumed a “dome” shape as a result of κ peaking in both m and w. Furthermore, as θ was decreased, these domes reduced in height and shifted in the direction of low m and high w, the direction of lower viscosity η. The Tg was found to increase with increasing m and decreasing w, indicating a concurrent change in the η of the solution. These results are in complete qualitative agreement w...
Accuracy of rural ems provider interpretation of three-lead ecg rhythm strips

Objective. To measure the accuracy of lead II rhythm strip interpretations performed by advanced life support (ALS) emergency medical technicians (EMTs) in a rural emergency medical services (EMS) system.Methods. An electronic rhythm simulator was used to produce 24 three-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) rhythm strips. The rhythms were shown to 57 ALS EMTs participating in regularly scheduled continuing education classes. The participants were asked to identify the rhythms.Results. The three-lead ECG interpretations were generally accurate, although there was some difficulty in distinguishing between specific types of tachydysrhythmias and atrioventricular (AV) block. The overall accuracy of the rhythm interpretations was 79.2%, ranging from 45.6% (second-degree type II heart block) to 98.2% (sinus bradycardia). The sensitivity for specific tachydysrhythmias ranged from 68.4% (supraventricular tachycardia) to 86.0% (atrial fibrillation); the sensitivity for specific types of AV block ranged from 45.6% (second...
A simple perturbation term for the Carnahan-Starling equation of state

A simple perturbation term is presented for the Carnahan-Starling (CS) hard-sphere reference equation of state (EOS). This perturbed CS EOS is compared with seven other two-parameter EOSs; it represents the critical isotherms of eight fluids with the lowest deviations in density and pressure. After a generalized temperature dependence is introduced for parameters a and b, the perturbed CS EOS is compared with the well-known Peng-Robinson equation. For 11 non-polar pure fluids, the perturbed CS EOS represents liquid densities significantly better, but it is not superior for vapor pressures. For mixtures, the CS reference term is given by the Boublik-Mansoori hard-sphere mixture EOS. Some calculations for binary mixtures are given, using conventional mixing rules for parameters a and b in the simple perturbation term.
ROLE OF NITRATE‐NITROGEN NUTRITION IN GROWTH OF TOMATO AND CROWN GALL

THIS PAPER REPORTS the results of studies extending from 1935-1952 on the growth behavior of tomato plants (Lycopersicum esculentum Mill. var. Bonny Best) at relatively high -and low levels of nitrate-nitrogen nutrition and the effects of crowngall tumors on the growth behavior of such plants, following inoculation of their axes with Agrobacterium tumefaciens. A preliminary report on early phases of this work was published by Link and Wilcox in 1936a. MATERIALS AND METHODS.-All experiments were performed with plants grown in greenhouses of the University of Chicago. For the tests of 1935 plants were grown as cuttings in nitrate-free quartz sand in 2-gal. percolator urns in the Chicago soil-nutrient tanks (Link, 1935). The soil temperature was maintained at 250C. The air temperature averaged 280C. in all tests. For the other experiments plants were grown in 5-in. unglazed clay pots filled with washed quartz sand and kept on benches. The relatively high and relatively low nitratenitrogen plants are designated +N and -N respectively, and the nutrient solutions used to obtain and maintain these nutritional states are referred to as +N and -N solutions. To initiate and maintain the +N nutritional state, plants were given Shive's complete +N solution, while others, also started on +N solution to get the plants rooted, were shifted to the incomplete (-N) solution to produce the -N state. Compositions of solutions were as follows: KH2PO4, 0.0045 M; MgSO4, 0.0045 M; trace elements; and either Ca(N0)2, 0.009 M (+N solution) or CaCl2, 0.009 M (-N solution) ; pH was adjusted to 4.5 with sulfuric acid. In sunny weather cuttings and seedlings receiving +N and -N solutions developed desired differences in nutritional status in about 10 days. In cloudy weather a longer time was required. These differences were considered adequate when basal stem tissues of +N plants were negative for starch, and stem tip tissues positive to the diphenylamine test for nitrates, and when basal tissues of the axis of the -N plants were starch positive and tip tissues negative for nitrates. Cuttings were obtained as foltows: seedlings were transplanted to soil in flats and transplanted after 15-21 days into soil in 4-in. pots. When transplants
Regional myocardial velocities and isovolumic contraction acceleration before and after device closure of atrial septal defects: a color tissue Doppler study.

Background The study analyzed the effect of atrial septal defect (ASD) device closure on regional wall motion in the right (RV) and left ventricles (LV) using color tissue Doppler imaging (TDI). Atrial septal defect closure results in acute volume unloading of the RV. For unknown reasons, some patients develop acute left-sided heart failure postintervention. Methods Color TDI was performed in 39 pediatric ASD and 75 age-matched controls. Regional wall motion in 5 LV and 1 RV segment were analyzed before, immediately after, and 24 hours after interventional ASD closure. Off-line postprocessing of echocardiographic data was used to determine myocardial velocities and acceleration during isovolumic contraction (IVA). Isovolumic contraction acceleration is the slope of the upstroke of the isovolumic contraction wave (IVA = peak velocity/acceleration time). Results At baseline, patients with ASD had significantly higher RV systolic velocities than controls. Isovolumic contraction acceleration was similar in patients with ASD and controls. In the catheterization laboratory postintervention, conventional function parameters remained stable but systolic myocardial velocities decreased significantly in all segments. Diastolic velocities fell in LV segments but not in the RV. In contrast to velocities, IVA was stable during ASD device closure. On follow-up at 24 hours, myocardial velocities had normalized. Conclusions Device closure of ASD results to an acute transient decrease of regional myocardial velocities in the LV and RV, whereas the load-insensitive marker isovolumic acceleration remained stable. Therefore, the velocity changes may represent a response to altered left and right ventricular loading conditions. Color TDI is a sensitive tool to analyze ventricular mechanics.
Stand Structures of Oregon White Oak Woodlands, Regeneration, and their Relationships to the Environment in Southwestern Oregon

Abstract Although Oregon white oak (Quercus garryana) woodlands are a characteristic landscape component in southwestern Oregon, little is known about their current or historical stand structures. Meanwhile, fuel reduction thinning treatments that change stand structures in non-coniferous communities are ongoing and widespread on public lands in this region; some of these treatments also have restoration objectives. Managers need baseline information on which to base prescriptions that have a restoration focus. We inventoried 40 Oregon white oak dominated woodlands across two study areas in southwestern Oregon, and describe here their stand characteristics and age structures. We assessed whether these varied systematically with site conditions or recorded fire history. Stands included various proportions of single- and multiple-stemmed trees and a range of tree densities and diameter- and age-class distributions. Variables that may indicate site moisture status were weakly associated with multivariate gra...
Detection Of Upper Atmospheric Constituents Using Submillimeter Wave (SMMW) Heterodyne Radiometry

Submillimeter wave heterodyne radiometry has been applied to the detection and sounding of upper atmospheric constituents. The use of room-temperature Schottky-diode mixers for the receivers has yielded measurements of 70,000 K noise temperature. Coupling losses into the diode and matching of the IF output limit are observed to limit noise temperature. The technique is evaluated by calculating spectra with assumed temperature and constituent profiles. Vertical integrations are made with a multilayer atmosphere and the direct summation of absorption coefficients for the individual spectral lines is used. Results are presented for tangent path parameters for a mid-latitude summer model and the fractional parts of upper atmospheric constituents as a function of altitude.
STAND CHARACTERISTICS AND LEAF LITTER COMPOSITION OF A DRY FOREST HECTARE IN SANTA ROSA NATIONAL PARK, COSTA RICA

One hectare of tropical dry forest in Guanacaste Conservation Area, Cosra Rica was mapped and all trees larger than 10 cm diameter at breast heighr (DBH) identified. The same hectare was sampled for leaf litter and the two data sets, forest and litter, were compared. Dominant and subdominant species of the forest are represented in the leaf litter, whereas rare tree species are highly variable in their representation in the leaf litter. Relative abundance of dominant and subdominant tree species is represented well by the litter although absolute rank-order is nor identical between source forest basal area and leaf litter mass. The litter adds a significant component to the source forest data owing to the presence of vines and lianas, and more rarely small trees or shrubs. This indicates that litter studies may be able to add depth to forest diversity surveys. The source forest also was used to test foliar physiognomic reconstructions of climate that have been proposed recently by paleobotanists as an alternative to taxonomic affinities methods. The observed climate of the area does not conform to the climatic values that were predicted by application of these new methods.
Investigation of the defect manganese silicide MnnSi2n−m

Low-temperature magnetization studies upon melt-grown single crystals of the defect manganese silicide MnnSi2n−m have shown this material to contain small quantities of plate-like MnSi precipitates. Metallographic and electron microprobe analyses have confirmed this result. The strongly magnetic MnSi precipitates dominate the diamagnetic MnnSi2n−m matrix, and are responsible for the magnetic behavior reported in the literature. MnSi is metallic, and the plate-like metallic precipitates degrade the thermoelectric efficiency of the degenerate semiconductor MnnSi2n−m.
Kinematic evaluation of commercial wheelchair-mounted robotic arms

Commercially available wheelchair-mounted robotic arms (WMRAs) are becoming more prevalent internationally but have yet to be largely developed and approved by the Food and Drug Administration in the United States. The purpose of this study was to perform kinematic and experimental analysis of commercially available WMRAs. The goal was to quantitatively compare each device through a standardized testing protocol. The study and its procedures may serve as a source of quantitative evaluation data for commercially available and developmental WMRAs.
Reliability and validity of the revised fear survey schedule for children (FSSC-R)

Abstract In this study, the validation of a Revised Fear Survey Schedule for Children (FSSC-R) is detailed. Psychometric properties of the scale are reported for two normal samples and one clinical sample of school-phobic children. Initial analyses indicate that the FSSC-R possesses high internal consistency, high test-retest reliability and acceptable stability over time. Further, it adequately discriminates between normal and clinical samples, has acceptable convergent and discriminant validity and possesses a meaningful factor structure. The potential clinical utility of the scale is discussed, and important social and developmental issues affecting the development and expression of fear in children are addressed.
Communicating junctions and calmodulin: inhibition of electrical uncoupling in Xenopus embryo by calmidazolium.

This paper reports the inhibitory effects of calmidazolium (CDZ), a calmodulin inhibitor, on electrical uncoupling by CO2. Membrane potential and coupling ratio (V2/V1) are measured in two neighboring cells ofXenopus embryos (16 to 64 cell stage) for periods as long as 5.5 hr. Upon exposure to 100% CO2, control cells consistently uncouple even if the CO2 treatments are repeated every 15 min for 2.5 hr. CDZ (5×10−8−1×10−7m) strongly inhibits uncoupling. The inhibition starts after 30, 50 and 60 min of treatment with 1×10−7, 7×10−8 and 5×10−8m CDZ, respectively, is concentration-dependent and partially reversible. In the absence of CO2, CDZ also improves electrical coupling. CDZ has no significant effect on membrane potential and nonjunctional membrane resistance. These data suggest that calmodulin or a calmodulin-like protein participates in the uncoupling mechanism.
Perturbative derivation of realistic energy-independent optical potentials

Abstract We have calculated energy-independent optical model potentials U , starting from the empirical energy-dependent optical model potentials U(E) of the Woods-Saxon type. A perturbative method for such calculations is proposed and applied to U calculations for elastic n-40Ca scatterings. This method is found to converge satisfactorily when the energy dependence of the underlying U(E) potential is weak, as is in the case of the empirical optical model potentials. The dependence of U on the bound-state information is studied, and it is shown that the U derived by our perturbative method corresponds to an extrapolation of the empirical U(E) potentials to the negative energy region. For the case of U(E) with a pure linear energy dependence, the resulting U potential contains a term which may be combined with the kinetic energy operator and gives rise to a radialdependent effective mass.
Trace Element Composition of Municipal Waters in the United States: A Comparison of ICP-AES and ICP-MS Methods

Abstract A collaborative project was outlined by representatives of the Nutrient Data Laboratory and the Food Composition Laboratory of the United States Department of Agriculture. The purpose of the project was to obtain trace element (Ca, Cu, Fe, Mg, P, K, Na, Mn, Zn, Co, Cr, Ni and V) composition data for municipal waters sampled around the United States during three different seasons. Several sub-goals were outlined: (1) Compare inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) methods for the direct determination of nutritionally important elements in water; (2) Compare data from this study with a national, probability-based sampling plan, to existing published data in U.S. Department of Agriculture's Standard Reference Database SR-13; (3) Consider the variability of values comparing different locations; (4) Evaluate seasonal variability; (5) Conclude as to whether or not this high consumption product is a reasonable source of trace elements in the human diet. Results from the study indicated that the excellent detection capability of ICP-MS provided Cr, Ni and V results at the ppb level and also provided P and K data, all of which will be significant positive additions to USDA's Standard Reference Database SR-13. Correlation studies comparing ICP-MS and ICP-AES data showed excellent agreement (Ca, Cu, Mg, Na R=0.99+; K R=0.96). No real significant seasonal variability was identified during the course of the study. This study highlighted the fact that water is not a significant source of most trace elements in the U.S. diet.
Evolution of venom across extant and extinct eulipotyphlans

Abstract Orally delivered venom in animals is found in distantly related invertebrate and vertebrate taxa, but is relatively rare in overall abundance. The trait would appear to be highly adaptive for prey capture and defence, and has been suggested to be a key innovation that led to the diversification of the venomous snakes. In extant mammals, oral venom is only found in the Eulipotyphla (which includes solenodons, shrews, moles and hedgehogs), and is only known to be present in four species. The phylogenetic distribution of venom across extant mammals suggests that venom evolved independently three times in the Eulipotyphla. In extant shrews, grooved teeth are not associated with venomousness; only the solenodon has both grooved lower incisors and salivary venom. Given these data, recent inferences of widespread venomous abilities in extinct eulipotyphlans on the basis of grooved teeth are not justified.