cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fiber optic sensors advance chemical analysis from afar

Practical fiber optic sensors, ready and able to measure such common variables as pressure, temperature, strain, and torque, now focus on a largely overlooked area: chemical applications. After a comparatively slow start towards commercialization, these sensors already tackle such tasks as measuring pH levels, and various other chemical changes. Compared with other sensor families, the advantages of fiber optic types are of course well known: immunity to EMI/RFI, high bandwidth, and the ability to work at high-temperatures. Fiber optic sensors will offer yet another major advantage for more demanding chemical applications: isolation from both electrical sources and from human contact/contamination with the sample under measurement. Indeed, the chief advantage of fiber optic sensors in chemical applications is their remote sensing capabilities for examining complex mixtures like blood serum, chemical process streams, and various natural waters. Other advantages include continuous monitoring of the analyte, and the ability to perform measurements in rugged field conditions. Moreover, the wide availability of fiber optics and related optoelectronic components have opened the door to sensors that are economically viable. >
Effect of some processing variables on the kinetics of the solid-state addition of sulfacetamide and succinic anhydride

Abstract Thermal and chemical analyses were used to study the solid-state addition reaction of sulfacetamide and succinic anhydride (85 – 100 °C). A pelletization or compaction method was used to determine the effect of compressional pressure, molar ratios of the reactants, particle size and temperature on the kinetics of the reaction.
A methodology to assess performance of human-robotic systems in achievement of collective tasks

In this paper, we present a methodology to assess system performance of human-robotic systems in achievement of collective tasks such as habitat construction, geological sampling, and space exploration. The methodology uses a systematic approach that assesses performance by incorporating capabilities of both human and robotic agents based on accomplishment of functional operations and effect of cognitive stress due to continuous operation by the human agent. In this paper, we provide an overview of the assessment system and discuss its implementation on a representative habitat construction task.
Reduction of lipopolysaccharide-induced neurotoxicity in mouse mixed cortical neuron/glia cultures by ultralow concentrations of dynorphins.

Previously we reported that ultralow concentrations of dynorphins (10–16 to 10–12 M ) inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced production of nitric oxide (NO)
Targeted delivery of acoustic energy for self-healing

Self-healing materials capable of autonomic crack healing are potentially important in terrestrial and space applications. Where damage-causing forces and healing forces compete, it is of interest to consider ways to increase the healing rate. This article investigates the use of acoustic energy for this purpose. As a means for targeted acoustic energy delivery to the crack site, we study time-reversal mirrors (iterative time reversal and playback) for stress wave focusing at a discontinuity. The article begins with a discussion of the key analytical results. Both pulse propagation and eigenfrequency vibrations are analyzed, and it is argued that if sufficient time is allowed between successive time-reversed playbacks, the focused pulse amplitude grows faster than the eigenfrequency vibrations. Experimental implementations of iterative time-reversed playback on solid circular steel and nylon rods with artificially introduced discontinuities show that even in the one-dimensional propagation studies here, t...
Pulse width modulation circuit for ISFET drift reset

We present the simulation results for a Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) circuit (to be fabricated in a 0.5 μm CMOS process) used to cycle the electric field in an Ion Sensitive Field Effect Transistor (ISFET). Vertical electric field, which controls the inversion layer in a field effect transistors, can be used to reset the inherent drift behavior of ISFET. A PWM circuit, to cycle the vertical field, enables us to precisely monitor the pH of an electrolyte without needing to manually calibrate the ISFET. Two or more ISFETs could be used with the devices alternatively being placed in reset and measurement mode. By combining the outputs from measurement phase of the devices, we can read the pH of the electrolyte continuously. The PWM circuit is composed of a 10.9 kHz ring oscillator, five divider circuits giving a 100,000 frequency division, a 6 bit counter, and a Digital to Analog Converter (DAC) that feeds into a comparator whose output selects the mode of operation for the ISFETs.
Design and development of next generation of information infrastructure: Case studies of broadband public network and digital city

A comparative case study is conducted on three digital city (public networks) projects. The focus of the study is on the processes involved in the development of such networks and the consequences of such networks. This study looks at (1) two broadband network projects in Central New York and (2) one digital city project in Korea. For the U.S. cases, this study discusses problems in the development of public network projects in Central New York. The two broadband projects were funded under a state program to diffuse broadband technologies in economically depressed areas of the state. The digital city project was sanctioned by the Seoul metropolitan government and is now being developed. This study investigates the initiation of the information infrastructure projects, their policy formulation processes, and the development of such projects. A new praxis of new information infrastructure is recommended.
The Spice Trade in Mamluk Egypt

The study of the Islamic civilization, its rise and development throughout its history, has greatly been advanced in the last century. All the various aspects of Islamic civilization, its religion, tradition, poetry, philosophy, literature, law, art, and language have been thoroughly investigated and essential contributions have been made toward a better understanding of its manifold manifestations. There is, however, one field in which no substantial advances can yet be registered, and which still remains greatly a terra incognita: the economic and social history of the Islamic civilization. It is true there exists now quite a number of studies on some aspects of the economic development of early and medieval Islam, but a comprehensive social and economic history of Islam has still to be written.') Such a goal has to be preceeded by specialized studies, monographical treatments of specific economic problems of the various regions and of the various periods of the Islamic world in order to pave the way and supply the basic material for the long over-due socio-economic history of Islam.
Total synthesis of the C31 and C32 15,17-butanoporphyrins from oil shales

Copper(II) promoted cyclizations of a,c-biladienes incorporating seven-membered carbocyclic rings gave poor yields of porphyrins; however, superior yields of petroporphyrins 1a and 1b were obtained when cyclizations were mediated by silver iodate-zinc acetate.
Resentment and Ressentiment

In the latter part of the nineteenth century and the early part of the twentieth century, Friedrich Nietzsche formulated, and Max Scheler further developed, the concept of ressentiment. Nietzsche linked this emotion with the rise of Christian morality, while Scheler linked it primarily with the formation of the bourgeois ethos in Western Europe. The present paper endeavors to show similarities and differences between the emotion thus designated and the more commonly recognized emotion of resentment. Moreover, conceptual analysis of these emotions necessarily leads to consideration of the social situations likely to give rise to each, as well as their likely outcomes. This latter discussion strongly suggests a needed modification of Nietzsche’s and Scheler’s conceptualization of ressentiment.
Resonant magnetotunneling spectroscopy of p-type-well interband tunneling diodes.

We report experimental results of quantum transport through InAs/AlSb/GaSb/AlSb/InAs heterostructures having well widths of 7.0, 8.0, and 11.9 nm, respectively, in magnetic fields of up to 8.0 T aligned parallel to the epitaxial growth planes. Application of this resonant magnetotunneling spectroscopy technique allows the well subband dispersions to be probed along the wave vector perpendicular to both the growth direction and the applied magnetic field. In all three samples we observe little change in the current-voltage characteristics below a sample-dependent critical magnetic field B_(crit). Above this critical field, both the main I-V peak and a subsequent shoulder that forms at high fields shift in bias in a manner we attribute to be related to the HH2 and LH1 subbands (where HH and LH denote heavy and light holes), respectively.
Numerical study of a flame in a Kármán vortex street

Abstract A numerical study of a simplified flow configuration modeling the interaction of a premixed laminar flame with a Karman vortex street is presented. The flow is assumed to be two dimensional, inviscid everywhere except inside the vortices, and incompressible everywhere except at the flame. The flame is modeled as a single layer source for the velocity potential with a burning speed which depends on the local curvature. Complete flow fields are calculated as a function of time for various values of the Markstein parameter, vortex shedding frequency, separation of the vortex street, the strength of the vortices, and the ratio of unburned to burned fluid densities, ϱ u ϱ b . The velocity far upstream was set at 60 cm/s for all cases. The essential features of the interaction of a flame with a vortex street are demonstrated, including the deflection of the vortex street and streamlines ahead of the flame and the development of a flame brush. The results of the calculations show that predictions of the flame behavior are strongly dependent on the value of ϱ u ϱ b . It was also found that the frequency of the vortex street, the phase relations as the vortices pass through the flame, and the strength of the vortices are important parameters in determining the behavior of the flame.
Electrical resistivity of hexagonal tungsten bronzes

Abstract The electrical resistivities of single crystals of hexagonal Rb x WO 3 (x = 0.256, 0.33) and Tl 0.33 WO 3 have been measured from 4.2 to 300 K both perpendicular and parallel to the c -axis. No anomalies in the resistivities are observed. There is, however, considerable anisotropy with the resistivity in the basal plane being about twice the resistivity perpendicular to the basal plane. The thallium bronze sample shows a superconducting transition in the resistivity at 1.58 K.
Taste of nutrients: Amino acids, vitamins, and fatty acids

Multidimensional scaling techniques were used to determine the range in taste of nutrients for human subjects. The nutrients tested (amino acids, vitamins, and fatty acids) span the traditional sweet, sour, salty. and bitter gustatory quality range. The results also suggest that alkaline, sulfurous, and fatty qualities exist as well; the possibility that these three quality groupings are due to olfactory or tactile rather than gustatory input is discussed. The traditional literature in gustation (Henning, 1916; von Skrarnlik, 1926) assumes that all gustatory
Combinatorial modification of human histone H4 quantitated by two-dimensional liquid chromatography coupled with top down mass spectrometry.

Quantitative proteomics has focused heavily on correlating protein abundances, ratios, and dynamics by developing methods that are protein expression-centric (e.g. isotope coded affinity tag, isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantification, etc.). These methods effectively detect changes in protein abundance but fail to provide a comprehensive perspective of the diversity of proteins such as histones, which are regulated by post-translational modifications. Here, we report the characterization of modified forms of HeLa cell histone H4 with a dynamic range >104 using a strictly Top Down mass spectrometric approach coupled with two dimensions of liquid chromatography. This enhanced dynamic range enabled the precise characterization and quantitation of 42 forms uniquely modified by combinations of methylation and acetylation, including those with trimethylated Lys-20, monomethylated Arg-3, and the novel dimethylated Arg-3 (each <1% of all H4 forms). Quantitative analyses revealed distinct trends in acetylation site occupancy depending on Lys-20 methylation state. Because both modifications are dynamically regulated through the cell cycle, we simultaneously investigated acetylation and methylation kinetics through three cell cycle phases and used these data to statistically assess the robustness of our quantitative analysis. This work represents the most comprehensive analysis of histone H4 forms present in human cells reported to date.
PROGNOSTICS AND DIAGNOSTICS OF CONFLICTS AND ERRORS IN A SUPPLY NETWORK

Abstract This research studies decentralized conflict and error (CE) prognostics and diagnostics in a supply network. Intelligent manufacturing systems increasingly are distributed along supply networks in which CEs are unavoidable and must be intelligently detected, diagnosed, and predicted with the support of collaborative e-Work. Prognostics is the process to predict CEs whereas diagnostics is the process to identify causes of CEs. Both are performed through the analysis of CE propagation. A middleware-supported prognostics and diagnostics model has been developed. Experiment results show that decentralized prognostics and diagnostics are preferred.
Effect of Cough and Cold Medication Withdrawal and Warning on Ingestions by Young Children Reported to Texas Poison Centers

OBJECTIVE: This study examined whether the withdrawal of over-the-counter cough and cold medication labeled for use in children younger than 2 years in October 2007 and the warning against use of the products in children younger than 4 years in October 2008 affected cough and cold medication ingestions by young children reported to a statewide poison system. METHODS: Cases were all cough and cold medication ingestions by children aged 0 to 5 years reported to the Texas Poison Center Network during October 1998 to September 2009. The annual number of ingestions was determined, and the percent change from the previous year calculated. RESULTS: During October 1998 to September 2007, the number of ingestions exhibited a mean annual increase of 2.5%. The number of ingestions declined by 16.0% during October 2007 to September 2008 and 9.3% during October 2008 to September 2009. During October 2007 to September 2008, the number decreased by 26.5% in children aged 0 to 1 years, 13.5% in those aged 2 to 3 years, 5.4% in those aged 4 to 5 years, 23.4% therapeutic errors or adverse drug reactions, and 11.5% in all other circumstances. CONCLUSIONS: The voluntary withdrawal and subsequent voluntary warning of over-the-counter cough and cold medications appear to have resulted in a decline in ingestions reported to Texas poison centers not only among children aged 0 to 1 and 2 to 3 years but also among children aged 4 to 5 years, although the degree of decline was greatest for the youngest age groups. The decrease was observed not only among therapeutic errors and adverse drug reactions, but also in other circumstances of ingestion, although the decrease was greater for the former circumstances. Language: en
Single Molecular Stamping of a Sub-10-nm Colloidal Quantum Dot Array

We introduce a nanoscale stamping technique of sub-10-nm colloidal quantum dot (QD) arrays to highly localized areas of three-dimensional nanostructures using a quartz tuning fork employed as the stamp pad (the “Nano Stamp”). CdSe/ZnS core−shell nanoparticles with diameters of 9.8 nm were deposited on microfabricated silicon probe tips. The number of transferred QDs, which ranged from several thousands down to single molecular order (less than 10), was precisely controlled by adjusting the stamping depths and angles. The stamping areas were varied from 1.2 μm × 1.2 μm down to 30 nm × 30 nm. Using the Nano Stamp, QDs can be transferred to a variety of protruding nanostructures. The amount of particles transferred to the tip was assessed by fluorescence intensity measurements, and the number of particles was estimated by direct transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observation. Correlation between the fluorescence intensity and the observed stamping depth and the approaching angle of the tip was found, dem...
Reversed “Inverse Superatoms” (Double Fullerene-Type Systems)

Unlike the C60@Si60 “inverse superatom” described by Osawa et al., the present paper discusses double cages formed from Si60 cages inside carbon fullerene-type cages.
The effects of interpersonal affect on errors made when reconstructing a stimulus display

Replacement distance errors made while reconstructing a stimulus display were examined as a function of the affective relationship existing between the stimuli As expected photographs of persons highly liked were placed closer to a photo of self than were photographs of persons not highly liked Stimulus pairs of highly liked persons were also placed closer than pairs involving one person high and one low in liking. There was some suggestion that female stimuli result in more proximate placement than male stimuli.
Impact of renal function and protein intake on blood urea nitrogen in preterm infants in the first 3 weeks of life

Impact of renal function and protein intake on blood urea nitrogen in preterm infants in the first 3 weeks of life
Servotracking for a class of multivariable systems with parasitics

Abstract In this paper we show that the reduced-order controllers obtained by Porter (1976) and Porter and Tsingas (1978) for asymptotic tracking of constant reference inputs and polynomial-type reference inputs respectively for a class of singularly perturbed multivariable linear lime-invariant plants are special cases of a more general controller derived from multivariable servomechanism theory. These controllers essentially consist of a servocompensator, a stabilizing control law and a reduced-order observer.
Does Red Blood Cell Fragility Predict the Degree of Post-LVAD Hemolysis?

Purpose Continuous-flow LVADs subject elements of the blood to significant shear stress. The balance between hemostasis and thrombosis that challenge all LVAD patients is potentially impacted by the development and high-prevalence of both sub-clinical and clinical hemolysis. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is a readily available marker of hemolysis and can vary significantly between supported patients. While different types of pumps (centrifugal versus rotary) might affect rates of hemolysis, we sought to determine if a patient’s baseline red cell fragility influences their hemolytic response to LVAD support. Methods and Materials Osmotic fragility assesses the degree of red blood cell hemolysis under varying degrees of osmotic stress. Assays were prospectively obtained on 50 consecutive patients prior to placement of continuous flow LVADs. Five patients were excluded as they were already on circulatory support. LDH was obtained post-operatively at 3-5 weeks or at discharge. Results The mean age was 60.2 yrs, 86.6% were male, and 46.6% were nonischemic. Patients were supported with the Jarvik 2000 (n=5), HeartWare (n=6), and HeartMate II (n=34). The mean LDH was 714 (±324) and there was no difference among devices. A scatter plot did not reveal any relationship between pre-op osmotic fragility and post-op LDH. Mean hemolysis was 15.68 ± 12.96% at 0.45%NaCL (the inflection point of the osmotic fragility hemolysis curve). Linear regression confirmed no predictive relationship (p=0.71). Conclusions Pre-op variations in osmotic fragility do not appear to account for differences in hemolysis following VAD placement. Shear forces across existing LVADs create similar levels of biochemical hemolysis, as assessed by LDH, despite baseline differences in a patient’s red cell fragility.
Analysis and Visualization of Multiwavelength Spectral Energy Distributions in the NASA/IPAC Extragalactic Database (NED)

The NASA/IPAC Extragalactic Database (NED,http://ned.ipac.caltech.edu/) currently contains over 4.5 million photometric measurements covering the electromagnetic spectrum from gamma rays through radio wavelengths for objects that are being cross-correlated among major sky surveys (e.g., SDSS, 2MASS, IRAS, NVSS, FIRST) and thousands of smaller, but unique and important, catalogs and journal articles. The ability to retrieve photometric data (including uncertainties, aperture information, and references) and display spectral energy distributions (SEDs) for individual objects has been available in NED for six years. In this paper we summarize recent enhancements that enable construction of large panchromatic data sets to facilitate multi-dimensional photometric analysis. The database can now be queried for samples of objects that meet flux constraints at any wavelength(e.g., objects with any available 20cm flux, or objects with fν10μm] > 5.0Jy). The ability to utilize criteria involving flux ratios (e.g., objects with fν[20cm]/fν[60μm] > 0.5) is under development. Such queries can be jointly combined with additional constraints on sky area, redshifts, object types, or sample membership, and the data are output with consistent physical units required for comparative analysis. Some results derived from fused photometric data in NED are presented to highlight the large number and diversity of available SEDs.© (2002) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Actin-containing matrix associated with the plasma membrane of murine tumour and lymphoid cells.

A detergent-insoluble matrix has been isolated from murine tumour cell and lymphocyte plasma membranes. The major components of this matrix include actin and four additional proteins not previously identified as cytoskeletal proteins. Labelling studies indicate that the matrix is located on the inner face of the plasma membrane. A cell-surface glycoprotein, 5′-nucleotidase, remains associated with the isolated matrix.
Superconducting properties of small-filament Th-Nb eutectic composite

We have measured the electrical resistance, dc magnetization, and thermal conductivity of a drawn Th-Nb eutectic composite consisting of small Nb filaments in a Th matrix. A weak heat treatment can be used to destroy the filamentary geometry. We find an upward curvature in H/sub c/2 which is greatly reduced when the filaments are destroyed, suggesting that its origin may lie in the small-scale quasi-one-dimensional nature of the material. However, because of the proximity effect the mechanism of a decoupling transition does not seem applicable to this material. The transition temperature of the unannealed composite is higher than would be expected on the basis of the proximity effect. This result has been observed in other composites and may be due to some type of coupling between the filaments.
Milliarcsecond Structure Of Bl Lac During Outburst

The well known object BL Lacerate is the prototype of a class of compact extragalactic sources which display rapid flux and polarization changes at radio and optical wavelengths and a nearly featureless optical spectrum1. After a period of relative quiescence, BL Lac has recently undergone a violent outburst at radio wavelengths, accompanied by rapid changes in degree of polarization and position angle (Fig. 1)2,3. For a better understanding of the physical mechanism responsible for the variable emission, we have mapped the radio structure at 5 and 10.6 GHz at three epochs during the large flux outburst of 1980 with an intercontinental VLBI array using telescopes in Bonn, West Germany; Green Bank, West Virginia; Westford, Massachusetts; Fort Davis, Texas; and Owens Valley, California. The synthesized beam had a resolution of about 1.0 m arc s at λ 6 cm and 0.5 m arc s at λ 2.8 cm, corresponding to linear sizes of 5.9 and 2.9 lyr (light year) at the source (using a redshift4 of 0.0695 and a Hubble constant of 55 km s−1 Mpc−1). We show here that comparison of the size and flux density of the core component with the flux history provides evidence for relativistic beaming effects, independent of detailed model considerations. The flux densities shown in Fig. 1 were obtained at the University of Michigan radio observatory.
Unique properties of norepinephrine release from terminals arising from the locus coeruleus: high potassium sensitivity and lack of linopirdine (DuP 996) enhancement

Abstract The dose-response of K + to elicit the release of norepinephrine (NE), acetylcholine (ACh), dopamine (DA) and serotonin (5-HT) from rat brain slices was examined. Cerebral cortical and hippocampal [ 3 H]NE release had steeper K + dose-response curves than those observed for apparent hippocampal [ 3 H]ACh, striatal [ 3 H]DA and striatal [ 3 H]5-HT release. In contrast, the apparent release of [ 3 H]NE from the hypothalamus had a K + dose-response curve similar to those observed for the release of [ 3 H]ACh, [ 3 H]DA and [ 3 H]5-HT. Linopirdine, a drug which enhances K + -stimulated release of [ 3 H]ACh, [ 3 H]DA and [ 3 H]5-HT, had no effect on cerebral cortical [ 3 H]NE release even at submaximal K + stimulation. Hippocampal [ 3 H]NE release was also not affected by linopirdine, however the compound significantly enhanced K + -evoked [ 3 H]NE release from hypothalamic slices. These data point to unique properties of [ 3 H]NE release from terminals arising from the locus coeruleus (i.e. those found in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus) when compared to [ 3 H]NE release from terminals derived from the lateral tegmentum (i.e. those found in the hypothalamus) and the release properties of other neurotransmitters. The relative high K + sensitivity of NE release from coerulear terminals may be related to the lack of linopirdine effects on cerebral cortical and hippocampal [ 3 H]NE release.
A Review of Creatine Supplementation: Side Effects and Improvements in Athletic Performance

Abstract Creatine is a popular ergogenic aid that is sold as a nutrition supplement. Research has shown that creatine supplementation may improve performance during intermittent bouts of high-intensity exercise, while there do not appear to be any benefits during endurance-type athletic events. Information on the risks associated with this product is scarce. Although there are anecdotal reports of gastrointestinal distress associated with creatine supplementation, there have been no peer-reviewed studies of high-dose creatine supplementation lasting longer than ten weeks in healthy subjects. However, it is recommended that children, adolescents, pregnant women, and people with diabetes or renal disease avoid creatine supplementation due to its unknown effects on these special populations. This review includes a description of the metabolic role of creatine and the effects of supplemental doses on skeletal muscle, as well as an examination of the potential physiological mechanisms, effectiveness, and side effects of creatine supplementation.
Radiation risks: critical analysis and commentary.

Abstract Objectives 1) To review and summarize what is known about the health risks of radiation. 2) To compare risks from medical imaging to background radiation and to exposure from nuclear accidents. Methods Literature review and summative critical analysis. Results Over the past several years, physicians and patients have become increasingly aware of the potential risks of radiation exposure from medical imaging. The Fukushima disaster further heightened public awareness of hazards associated with radiation and radioactivity. In the case of medical imaging, small but real risks of cancer and other radiation-induced disease must be balanced against potential benefits of improved diagnostic accuracy. The ethical principle of autonomy tells us that patients should be informed of potential benefits and harms of radiation imaging, and should participate in shared decision making. In the case of nuclear power, benefits and especially harms are exceptionally difficult to estimate accurately. Nevertheless, we know that hazards from today's nuclear power plants will persist for many years, affecting future generations not benefiting from electrical power generated today. Conclusions A deeper and more widespread understanding of potential benefits and harms of personal and societal choices relating to radiation exposure may lead to improved medical and societal decision-making.
Bridging the gap between ocean science and education: creating effective partnerships through informal educational institutions

Summary form only given. A gap exists between scientific research and science education. This gap is both spatial (oceanographic research is generally far-removed from educational institutions such as schools, museums, and science centers) and temporal (textbooks and exhibits are difficult and costly to keep updated). Sea Floor Science is a new initiative of the Ocean Institute in Dana Point, California and funded by the National Science Foundation. This three-year project seeks to develop a new, innovative model for bridging the gap between scientific research and education. This model incorporates new approaches to the design, development, implementation, and evaluation of exhibits and programs. Fundamental to the model is the development of mutually beneficial partnerships with members of the research and technology communities. The results are exhibits that translate and interpret ongoing, cutting edge oceanographic research and the associated technology, and programs that create a direct connection between scientists and educators, students, and visitors. The importance and relevance of the work is thus communicated to a wide-ranging audience of teachers, students, and the general public. Current partners include Scripps Institution of Oceanography, Texas A & M's Institute of Nautical Archaeology, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and the MIT DeepArch Research Group.
High sensitivity surface plasmon resonace sensor based on phase detection

Abstract A surface plasmon resonance sensing technique based on optical heterodyne phase detection is presented. The theoretical sensitivity of this new method is compared with traditioal surface plasmon resonance technique. The results of phase detection modeling shows a strong dependence on sensor film thickness. With a practical configuration, the resolution of refractive index is predicted to be 5 × 10 −7 refractive index units. An experimental set-up is described and the initial results presented conincide with the theoretical prediction.
The relationship between DNA repair after alkylation damage and in vitro aging in human T-lymphocytes

In vitro cultures of human peripheral blood lymphocytes, both unstimulated G0 cells as well as phytohemagglutinin (PHA) stimulated cells, have been used in the investigation of DNA repair following different types of damage, including that induced by ultraviolet light, ionizing radiation, and chemical agents. We report here repair of DNA damage in cultured normal human T-lymphocytes after treatment with the alkylating agents, N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) or methanesulfonate (MMS), as measured by the alkaline elution technique. T-lymphocytes cultured with different sources of T-cell growth factors (TCGFs) were shown to have similar repair levels, as measured by loss of single-strand breaks. However, diminished repair was observed with in vitro culture age when T-cells were cultured with PHA and TCGF for a 3-week period. Cell-cycle analysis performed on asynchronously growing cultures indicated that differential repair with in vitro aging was not cell-cycle-related. Fluorescence Activated Cell Sorting (FACS) was used to determine the percentages of CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell subsets present during the in vitro culture periods. Cultures consisted primarily of CD4+ cells until day 20 when the percentage of CD8+ cells increased to approximately 50% of the T-cell population. Neither the absolute percentages of CD4+ and CD8+ cells not the CD4+/CD8+ ratios correlated with repair rates of cultured T-cells. Therefore, the observed decreases in the repair of alkylating agent-induced damage are not due solely to the change in the CD4+/CD8+ ratio.
Analysis of oleate, linoleate and linolenate hydroperoxides in oxidized ester mixtures

The hydroperoxides in oxidized mixtures of methyl oleate, linoleate and linolenate were analyzed by reducing the hydroperoxides to the corresponding hydroxyesters and separating the hydroxyesters from the unoxidized esters by thin layer chromatography (TLC). The hydroxyesters from linolenate were separated from the other hydroxyesters by TLC on silver ion plates. The hydroxyesters were converted to TMS-hydroxy derivatives. The TMS-hydroxyoleate and TMS-hydroxylinoleate were separated by gas chromatography (GC), and all the TMS-derivatives were quantified by GC. The relative rates of oxidation of methyl oleate, linoleate and linolenate in mixtures were ca. 1∶10.3∶21.6. The hydroperoxides formed in the oxidation of soybean and olive oils were similar before and after randomization and similar to corresponding methyl ester mixtures.
Isotopic Ages from Northern New Jersey and Southeastern New York

Studies were made of isotopic ages of rocks in the Manhattan Prong, Reading Prong, and a metamorphosed Cambro-Ordovician sequence in Duchess County, N. Y. Potassium-argon analyses were made. A thorough search revealed no evidence for a metamorphic episode older than a known lower-Paleozoic event. (M.C.G.)
SCF and localized orbitals in ethylene: MBPT/CC results and comparison with one-million configuration Cl☆

Abstract Many-body perturbation theory (MBPT) and coupled-cluster (CC) calculations are performed on the ethylene molecule employing canonical SCF and simple bond-orbital localized orbitals (LO). Full fourth-order MBPT [i.e. SDTQ MBPT(4)], CC doubles (CCD) and CC singles and doubles (CCSD) energies are compared with the over one-million configuration ‘bench-mark” Cl calculation of Saxe et al. Though the SCF and LO reference determinant energies differ by 0.29706 hartree, the CCSD energy difference is only 1.7 mhartrees (mh). Our most extensive SCF orbital calculation, CCSD plus fourth-order triples, is found to be lower in energy than the CI result by 5.3 mh.
Binary bases of spaces of continuous functions

This paper addresses the question of density of binomials in C[a,b]. This seemingly innocuous question turns out to be equivalent in certain instances to the moment problem.
Diffeomorphic point set registration using non-stationary mixture models

This paper investigates a diffeomorphic point-set registration based on non-stationary mixture models. The goal is to improve the non-linear registration of anatomical structures by representing each point as a general non-stationary kernel that provides information about the shape of that point. Our framework generalizes work done by others that use stationary models. We achieve this by integrating the shape at each point when calculating the point-set similarity and transforming it according to the calculated deformation. We also restrict the non-rigid transform to the space of symmetric diffeomorphisms. Our algorithm is validated in synthetic and human datasets in two different applications: fiber bundle and lung airways registration. Our results shows that nonstationary mixture models are superior to Gaussian mixture models and methods that do not take into account the shape of each point.
Role De-Differentiation as a System Response to Crisis: Occupational and Political Roles of Women*

The relationship between crisis and role change is examined in terms of a three-stage model of role development: differentiation, de-differentiation, and reconfiguration. Crisis is conceptualized as a sufficient but not necessary condition of rapid and significant role change. Trends in occupational and political roles of women during and after World War II are presented as empirical support of the theoretical framework.
Phase Behavior of Symmetric Sulfonated Block Copolymers

Phase behavior of poly(styrenesulfonate-methylbutylene) (PSS-PMB) block copolymers was studied by varying molecular weight, sulfonation level, and temperature. Molecular weights of the copolymers range from 2.9 to 117 kg/mol. Ordered lamellar, gyroid, hexagonally perforated lamellae, and hexagonally packed cylinder phases were observed in spite of the fact that the copolymers are nearly symmetric with PSS volume fractions between 0.45 and 0.50. The wide variety of morphologies seen in our copolymers is inconsistent with current theories on block copolymer phase behavior such as self-consistent field theory. Low molecular weight PSS-PMB copolymers ( 7.7 kg/mol) is independent of temperature. Due to the large value of Flory–Huggins interaction parameter, χ, between the sulfonated and non-sulfonated blocks, PSS-PMB copolymers with PSS an...
Hindgut specification and cell‐adhesion functions of Sphox11/13b in the endoderm of the sea urchin embryo

Sphox11/13b is one of the two hox genes of Strongylocentrotus purpuratus expressed in the embryo. Its dynamic pattern of expression begins during gastrulation, when the transcripts are transiently located in a ring of cells at the edge of the blastopore. After gastrulation, expression is restricted to the anus–hindgut region at the boundary between the ectoderm and the endoderm. The phenotype that results when translation of Sphox11/13b mRNA is knocked down by treatment with morpholino antisense oligonucleotides (MASO) suggests that this gene may be indirectly involved in cell adhesion functions as well as in the proper differentiation of the midgut–hindgut and midgut–foregut sphincters. The MASO experiments also reveal that Sphox11/13b negatively regulates several downstream endomesoderm genes. For some of these genes, Sphox11/13b function is required to restrict expression to the midgut by preventing ectopic expression in the hindgut. The evolutionary conservation of these functions indicates the general roles of posterior Hox genes in regulating cell-adhesion, as well as in spatial control of gene regulatory network subcircuits in the regionalizing gut.
Optical and acoustical interrogation of submicron contrast agents

Unlike conventional ultrasound contrast agents with a diameter of several microns, in this paper we explore the use of submicron contrast agents for the detection and localization of lymph nodes. The submicron agents are gas-filled, double-walled microspheres that rupture when exposed to ultrasound energy at megahertz frequencies. In this study, three experimental systems are combined with model predictions to assist in understanding the response of these unique agents to a range of signal transmission parameters. Optical experimental results for each agent delineate the relative expansion as a function of acoustical peak negative pressure, pulse length, and center frequency. The optical images demonstrate an order of magnitude expansion in radius during the pulse rarefaction, in which the expansion magnitude is dependent on the transmitted pressure and frequency. Simulations using a modified Rayleigh-Plesset model predict an increasing relative expansion for the microbubbles (initial bubble radius ranging from 0.3-1.3 /spl mu/m) with increasing pressure and decreasing initial radius. Acoustically recorded frequency spectra reveal the presence of harmonics for a range of transmitted pulses. In addition, in-vivo results from a normal canine model demonstrate marked contrast enhancement of first order lymph nodes. We hope to offer an alternative to present intra-operative procedures for sentinel node detection.
Measuring long chain alkanes in diesel engine exhaust by thermal desorption PTR-MS

Abstract. A method using thermal desorption sampling and analysis by proton transfer reaction mass spectrometry (PTR-MS) to measure long chain alkanes (C12–C18) and other larger organics associated with diesel engine exhaust emissions is described. Long chain alkanes undergo dissociative proton transfer reactions forming a series of fragment ions with formula CnH2n+1. The PTR-MS is insensitive to n-alkanes less than C8 but displays an increasing sensitivity for larger alkanes. Fragment ion distribution and sensitivity is a function of drift conditions. At 80 Td the most abundant ion fragments from C10 to C16 n-alkanes were m/z 57, 71 and 85. The mass spectrum of gasoline and diesel fuel at 80 Td displayed ion group patterns that can be related to known fuel constituents, such as alkanes, alkylbenzenes and cycloalkanes, and other compound groups that are inferred from molecular weight distributions such as dihydronapthalenes and naphthenic monoaromatics. It is shown that thermal desorption sampling of gasoline and diesel engine exhausts at 80 Td allows for discrimination against volatile organic compounds, allowing for quantification of long chain alkanes from the abundance of CnH2n+1 fragment ions. The total abundance of long chain alkanes in diesel engine exhaust was measured to be similar to the total abundance of C1–C4 alkylbenzene compounds. The abundance patterns of compounds determined by thermal desorption sampling may allow for emission profiles to be developed to better quantify the relative contributions of diesel and gasoline exhaust emissions on organic compounds concentrations in urban air.
The Src Homology 3 Domain Is Required for Junctional Adhesion Molecule Binding to the Third PDZ Domain of the Scaffolding Protein ZO-1

Tight junctions are cell-cell contacts that regulate the paracellular flux of solutes and prevent pathogen entry across cell layers. The assembly and permeability of this barrier are dependent on the zonula occludens (ZO) membrane-associated guanylate kinase (MAGUK) proteins ZO-1, -2, and -3. MAGUK proteins are characterized by a core motif of protein-binding domains that include a PDZ domain, a Src homology 3 (SH3) domain, and a region of homology to guanylate kinase (GUK); the structure of this core motif has never been determined for any MAGUK. To better understand how ZO proteins organize the assembly of protein complexes we have crystallized the entire PDZ3-SH3-GUK core motif of ZO-1. We have also crystallized this core motif in complex with the cytoplasmic tail of the ZO-1 PDZ3 ligand, junctional adhesion molecule A (JAM-A) to determine how the activity of different domains is coordinated. Our study shows a new feature for PDZ class II ligand binding that implicates the two highly conserved Phe−2 and Ser−3 residues of JAM. Our x-ray structures and NMR experiments also show for the first time a role for adjacent domains in the binding of ligands to PDZ domains in the MAGUK proteins family.
Food group intake and brain lesions in late-life vascular depression.

Background: Studies indicate that diet may be related to the occurrence of brain lesions. The cross-sectional association between food intake and brain lesion volumes in late-life depression was examined in a cohort of elderly individuals with current or prior depression. Methods: Food intake was assessed in 54 elderly vascular depression subjects (vascular depression defined by presence of hyperintensities on brain MRI) using a Block 1998 food frequency questionnaire. Food and kilocalorie intake were determined. Brain lesion volumes were calculated from MRI. Subjects were aged 60 or over and were participants in a longitudinal study of major depression. All subjects received psychiatric assessment and treatment, and medical comorbidity assessments. Results: High-fat dairy and whole grains were significantly positively correlated with brain lesion volume, while other food groups were not significantly associated with lesion volume. In multivariable analyses, controlling for age, sex, hypertension, diabetes and total kilocalories, the positive association with lesion volume remained significant for both high-fat dairy and whole grains. Conclusions: High fat dairy and whole grain consumption may be associated with brain lesions in elderly subjects with depression.
The Role of Motivation in the Age-Related Positivity Effect in Autobiographical Memory

This study reveals that older adults have a positivity effect in long-term autobiographical memory and that a positivity bias can be induced in younger adults by a heightened motivation to regulate current emotional well-being. Three hundred nuns, ages 47 to 102 years, recalled personal information originally reported 14 years earlier. They did so under experimental conditions that repeatedly primed them to focus on their current emotional states or on their memory accuracy, or that provided no instructional focus (control condition). Both older control participants and participants who were focused on emotional states showed a tendency to remember the past more positively than they originally reported in 1987. In contrast, both younger control participants and participants who were focused on accuracy tended to remember the past more negatively than originally reported.
Albumin overload induces apoptosis in LLC-PK1cells

The degree of albuminuria is a well-known adverse prognostic indicator in human glomerular diseases. However, the mechanisms by which albuminuria by itself contributes to tubulointerstitial injury ...
Comparison of 3 severity criteria for Clostridium difficile infection

Effective severity criteria are needed to guide management of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI). In this retrospective study, outcomes were compared between patients with mild-moderate versus severe CDI according to 3 different severity criteria: those included in the 2010 Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America/Infectious Diseases Society of America guidelines, those from a recent clinical trial, and our hospital-specific guidelines.
ESR Spectroscopy and X-Ray Powder Diffractometry for Marble Provenance Determination

The ideal method for provenance determination of marble artifacts would be simple, inexpensive, reliable, and definitive. In practice no such perfect method exists. Recent attempts to assign provenance have concentrated on analytical techniques that would not depend on subjective observations, including stable isotope analysis and trace element analysis.1,2,3 These methods all require the destruction of a sample so that it is unavailable for further analysis; additionally, trace element compositions can be highly variable and isotope analysis technically difficult. The use of electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy has been proposed as a selective, rapid, and simple method for provenance determination 4,5, which has the advantage of being nondestructive (ignoring the fact that samples must be powdered). ESR detects the presence of unpaired electron species, either transition-metal ions or free radicals (chemical compounds with broken bonds). The technique can provide several independent parameters, mostly based on observation of trace levels of manganese. Our work extends Cordischi’s proposal that ESR spectroscopy of the Mn+2 ion could provide information about both manganese concentration and the ratio of calcite to dolomite in a sample.4