cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Selective heteronuclear Hartmann–Hahn: A multiple-pulse sequence for selective magnetization transfer in the structural elucidation of “isotagged” oligosaccharides

A new selective heteronuclear Hartmann-Hahn (SHEHAHA) multiple-pulse mixing sequence is proposed for the solution structure elucidation of milligram amounts of peracetylated oligosaccharides in which the acetyl groups are enriched in carbon-13, so-called "isotags". SHEHAHA accomplishes exclusive in-phase magnetization transfer between the isotag carbonyl (13)C and the proximal proton on the sugar ring. Relayed transfer around the sugar rings by proton-proton TOCSY is suppressed, while the heteronuclear transfer from the labeled carbonyl carbon to the proximal ring proton is maintained. The sequence is broadband in the sense that all acetyl groups simultaneously give good signal transfer to their respective nearest proton neighbors. The (1)H-detected spectra have decent sensitivity and excellent resolution, giving patterns that unambiguously identify common structural subunits in human glycans. Peracetylated maltitol is shown as a test case of the method. Lineshapes are pure absorption, allowing facile measurement of vicinal proton-proton couplings. Linkage points can be deduced, and the 2D correlation spectra may be useful for more ambitious prediction algorithms and machine identification by a spectral database.
Nanowire Arrays for Thermoelectric Devices

This study reports on the fabrication and characterization of two prototype thermoelectric devices constructed of either silicon (Si) or bismuth telluride (Bi2 Te3 ) nanowire arrays. The growth mechanisms and fabrication procedures of the Si and Bi2 Te3 devices are different as described in this paper. To characterize the thermoelectric device components, current-voltage (I-V) characteristics were first used to estimate their performance. For the Si device, the I-V characteristics suggest ohmic contacts at the metal-semiconductor junction. For the Bi2 Te3 device, the I-V characteristics curve showed a rectifying contact. Either low doping of the Bi2Te3 or surface contamination, i.e. native oxide, may cause the rectifying contact. The reversible Peltier effects occurring within the Si device were analyzed using a micro-thermocouple. Results indicated possible limitations of using Si nanowire arrays for the thermoelectric device.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
ESTIMATION AND SIMULATION OF FRACTAL STOCHASTIC POINT PROCESSES

We investigate the properties of fractal stochastic point processes (FSPPs). First, we define FSPPs and develop several mathematical formulations for these processes, showing that over a broad range of conditions they converge to a particular form of FSPP. We then provide examples of a wide variety of phenomena for which they serve as suitable models. We proceed to examine the analytical properties of two useful fractal dimension estimators for FSPPs, based on the second-order properties of the points. Finally, we simulate several FSPPs, each with three specified values of the fractal dimension. Analysis and simulation reveal that a variety of factors confound the estimate of the fractal dimension, including the finite length of the simulation, structure or type of FSPP employed, and fluctuations inherent in any FSPP. We conclude that for segments of FSPPs with as many as 106 points, the fractal dimension can be estimated only to within ±0.1.
Observations on meeting usability goals for software products

Abstract Abstract Making software products more usable has been stated as an industrial, national, and even international goal. Constructive exchanges between those working in universities to build theory and those working in industry to build products have been identified as one way to speed the achievement of this goal. Programmes within IBM have encouraged such exchanges. Drawing on my experience in IBM, I outline some of the problems in setting and meeting software usability goals, discuss briefly the nature of collaborative work, and suggest ways to facilitate working together for mutual benefit despite possible differences in culture and purpose.
IMAGISM AND BLACK SOUTH AFRICAN POETRY: MONGANE WALLY SEROTE'S YAKHAL'INKOMO

(1999). IMAGISM AND BLACK SOUTH AFRICAN POETRY: MONGANE WALLY SEROTE'S YAKHAL'INKOMO. English Studies in Africa: Vol. 42, No. 2, pp. 31-48.
On Selecting the Best of K Lognormal Distributions.

Fork lognormal populations, which differ only in one certain parameter Ϙ, the problem of finding the population with the largest value ofϑ is considered. For two-parameter lognormal families, several natural choices ofϑ are treated, where the problem can be solved, through logarithmic transformation of the observations, within the framework of estimating parameters ink, possibly restricted, normal populations. For three-parameter lognormal families, this standard approach of selecting in terms of natural estimators fails to work ifϑ is the “guaranteed lifetime”. For this case, a selection procedure is derived which is based on anL-statistic which has the smallest asymptotic variance. Of importance here is that it is location equivariant, whereas it does not matter what it actually estimates. Comparisons are made with other suitable selection rules, through the asymptotic relative efficiencies, as well as in an example of intermediate sample sizes. It is shown that only in the latter, the selection rule, which is based on the sample minima, compares favorably.
Oogenesis of Cardiochiles nigriceps viereck (Hymenoptera : Braconidae): Histochemistry and development of the chorion with special reference to the fibrous layer

Abstract A fibrous layer on the surface of eggs of the parasitoid, Cardiochiles nigriceps (Hymenoptera : Braconidae), has been implicated by earlier studies in the evasion from encapsulation by host hemocytes. The present histochemical and ultrastructural study was undertaken to characterize fibrous layer material and to determine the source of fibrous layer and other components of the eggshell. The fibrous layer contains neutral glyco- or mucoprotein; acidic mucoproteins or glycosaminoglycans are absent. The mature eggshell is resolved into 5 morphologically distinct layers by electron microscopy: (from inner to outer) vitelline envelope, endochorion, an electron-dense “irregular layer”, papilliary layer and fibrous layer. During oogenesis each eggshell layer is laid down sequentially in the order mentioned above. Eggshell material appears to be produced by the follicle cells because these develop extensive rough endoplasmic reticulum and golgi apparatus and exhibit apparent exocytotic activity at the plasma membrane adjacent to the egg.
Dealing with NSF's Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts Criteria

* The ideas presented in this paper represent the views of the authors and not an official policy of the NSF. 1 Russell Pimmel, Program Officer, Division of Undergraduate Education, National Science Foundation, rrpimmel@nsf.gov 2 Stephanie Adams, , Program Officer, Engineering Education and Centers Division, National Science Foundation, sadams@nsf.gov 3 Barbara Anderegg, Program Officer, Division of Undergraduate Education, National Science Foundation, bandereg@nsf.gov 4 Susan Burkett, Program Officer, Division of Undergraduate Education, National Science Foundation, sburkett@nsf.gov 5 Gary Gabriele, Division Director, Engineering Education and Centers Division, National Science Foundation, ggabriel@nsf.gov 6 Sue Kemnitzer, Program Officer, Engineering Education and Centers Division, National Science Foundation, skemnitz@nsf.gov 7 Bevlee Watford, Program Officer, Division of Undergraduate Education, National Science Foundation, bwatford@nsf.gov Abstract – Since all NSF proposals are evaluated using the intellectual merit and broader impacts criteria, applicants need to address these in a convincing way to make their proposal competitive. The goal of this interactive workshop is to increase the participant's ability to design projects and write proposals that respond effectively to these two criteria. The workshop consists of a series of small group activities that will encourage participants to update their conceptual understanding of the issues by correcting their misconceptions and by connecting new knowledge to their current understanding. The workshop will address three issues: (1) activities that contribute to a project's intellectual merit, (2) activities that contribute to a project's broader impacts, and (3) defining and critiquing a project's intellectual merit and broader impacts. The workshop will be lead by a group of NSF program directors from the Division of Undergraduate Education and the Engineering Education and Centers Division of NSF
Personality variables related to integrity test scores: The role of conscientiousness

Using a broad-based measure of normal personality, we tested the hypothesis that the trait “conscientiousness” is the best single predictor of scores on two well-researched integrity tests. Data from 180 traditional and nontraditional college students provided clear support for this hypothesis, but also indicated that a number of traits other than conscientiousness were likely to be related to integrity test scores. Scores on all six of the primary scales, and 33 of the 45 homogeneous item clusters (HICs) of the Hogan Personality Inventory were related to scores on the PDI Employment Inventory and/or the Personnel Selection Inventory. Personality variables were better predictors of scores on the PDI Employment inventory, which is a veiled-purpose (also referred to as “personality based”) test, than of scores on the Personnel Selection Inventory, which measures honesty-related attitudes and includes items calling for direct admissions of misdeeds.
Universality of the edge distribution of eigenvalues of Wigner random matrices with polynomially decaying distributions of entries

We consider an ensemble of Wigner symmetric random matrices An={aij}, i,j=1, . . . ,n with matrix elements aij, being i.i.d. symmetrically distributed random variables Open image in new window We assume that Open image in new window and that
Effective profiling of consumer information retrieval needs: a unified framework and empirical comparison

Due to the overwhelming volume of information that is increasingly available, many people rely on current awareness systems to keep abreast of the latest developments in the fields that they are interested in, as evidenced in the popularity of subscriptions to news-monitoring and digital library services. The success of these services, however, often requires effective acquisition of users' personal standing interests as represented in personal profiles. Our objective in this paper is twofold. First, we have introduced a new method for profile generation and compared it against other well-known methods. We have found promising results. Second, although there are various methods proposed in information retrieval and machine learning literature to address the issue of profiling, a unified framework and systematic cross-system comparison to help users, especially service providers, to determine the most effective way of profiling consumers is still lacking in the literature. In this paper, we try to fill the gap by looking at these methods from a more integrated point of view based on statistical contingency theory. Variations of these methods are then systematically tested on three well-known routing systems and results are analyzed and reported.
The effect of reinforcements on the densification of a metal powder

Abstract The consolidation of Cu powder with and without particulates has been investigated. It was found that the same deformation mechanism applies over a wide range of consolidation conditions and reinforcement contents. A formalism previously used to characterize the consolidation of metal powder has been successfully extended to the composite system. The results demonstrate densification retardation caused by the reinforcements that depends both on aspect ratio and on mixing heterogeneity. Furthermore, the effect is greater than the corresponding effect of the reinforcements on the creep-rate of the fully densified body.
Interactions of colchicine with tubulin

Colchicine exerts its biological effects through binding to the soluble tubulin heterodimer, the major component of the microtubule. The colchicine-binding abilities of tubulins from a variety of sources are summarized, and the mechanism of colchicine binding to brain tubulin is explored in depth. The relationship between colchicinoid structure and tubulin binding activity provides insight into the structural features of colchicine responsible for high affinity binding to tubulin and is reviewed for analogs in the colchicine series. The thermodynamic and kinetic aspects of the association are described and evaluated in terms of the binding mechanism. Colchicine binding to tubulin results in unusual alterations in the low energy electronic spectra of colchicine. The spectroscopic features of colchicine bound to tubulin are discussed in terms of the nature of the colchicine-tubulin complex. Attempts to locate the high affinity colchicine binding site on tubulin are presented.
Supramolecular organization of the mammalian translation system

Although evidence suggests that the protein synthetic machinery is organized within cells, this point has been difficult to prove because any organization that might exist is lost upon preparation of the cell-free systems usually used to study translation in vitro. To examine this process under conditions more representative of the intact cell, we have developed an active protein-synthesizing system using Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells permeabilized with the plant glycoside saponin. This procedure renders cells permeable to trypan blue and exogenous tRNA, but there is little release of endogenous macromolecules. Protein synthesis in this system proceeds at the same rate as that in intact cells and is about 40-fold faster than that in a cell-free system prepared from the same cells. Active protein synthesis in this system requires the addition of only Mg2+, K+, and creatine phosphate, with a small further stimulation by ATP and an amino acid mixture; no exogenous macromolecules are necessary. The proteins synthesized in this system are indistinguishable from those made by the intact cell, and the channeling of aminoacyl-tRNA observed in vivo is maintained. Our data suggest that the permeabilized cell system retains the protein-synthesizing capabilities of the intact cell and presumably its internal structure as well. Studies with this system demonstrate that the protein-synthesizing apparatus is highly organized and that its macromolecular components are not freely diffusible in mammalian cells.
Freedom and the Soul within the Mechano-Materialist System: The Bergsonian Presence in Pardo Bazán's Naturalistic Fictions

The tensions between Pardo Bazan's Catholicism and her condition as even a mitigated‘naturalist’ writer have been the focus of commentary within literary and intellectual circles for over a hundred years. Such commentaries have tended to fall into three categories: those which claim that, if there are naturalistic elements in the writings of the Spaniard, these are—due to the author's ‘spiritualist’ stance—necessarily limited to the stylistic; those, which, while denying that what the author is doing in her works is Naturalism to the letter, concede that there is more going on than stylistic imitation; finally, those which, signal the thoroughly naturalist elements (formal and philosophical) of her work. This study argues that Pardo Bazan forges a synthesis between naturalist and religious views. However, whereas several readings have proposed Augustine as the figure who best illustrates this synthesis, this study suggests an alternative candidate: Henri Bergson. While convinced of the validity of the mat...
Interdisciplinary partnerships between rehabilitation therapists and computer scientists: a proposed model

The concept of inter-professional collaboration to optimize solutions for complex rehabilitation problems is not novel. However, the processes involved in successful and optimal collaboration between rehabilitation therapists and computer scientists is not well studied. In this paper, we examine strategies to connect technology driven problems and solutions in the lab to clinically driven problems and constraints for usable solutions in the field. We highlight gaps in collaboration such as differences in discipline language, hypothesis driven vs. function driven outcomes and understanding of the 'end-user'. We also discuss future ideas for successful collaboration to optimize usability of rehabilitation technology through creative problem solving.
Prognostic factors in papillary thyroid carcinoma and implications of large nodal metastasis.

SUGITANI ET AL HAVE PRESENTED AN EXPERIENCE of 604 patients who underwent definitive surgery for papillary thyroid carcinoma. The authors have excluded microcarcinoma and tumors less than 1 cm in size. The information provided in this manuscript is quite interesting that in younger patients, the most important risk factor was the presence of distant metastasis, whereas in patients older than age 50, the important prognostic factors included distant metastasis (risk ratio 6.7), extrathyroidal invasion (risk ratio 2.4), and large nodal metastasis (more than 3 cm, risk ratio 5.3). They have divided their patients into 106 patients at high risk (17%) and 498 at low risk (83%). The 10-year survival rate was 69% in the high-risk group and 99% in the low-risk group. Interestingly, only 3 patients in the low-risk group died; 2 of whom had poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma. The authors have also concluded that among postoperative factors, recurrence within the first 3 years after initial surgery was the most important risk factor for cancer-related death. In the high-risk group, the patients who were disease-free for more than 3 years showed an excellent outcome with a 96% 10-year survival rate, almost similar to the low-risk group. Sugitani et al provide important information and a step ahead of previous understanding of the prognostic factors in papillary carcinoma of the thyroid. Understanding the biology of thyroid cancer has improved considerably over the last 2 decades with the clinical definition of prognostic factors and risk group analysis. Several publications
A comparison of carnosine and ascorbic acid on color and lipid stability in a ground beef pattie model system

Ascorbic acid (0.1%) significantly inhibited metmyoglobin formation on the surface of ground beef but not in the bulk of the product where oxygen tension was lower. Carnosine (1.0%), however, significantly inhibited metmyoglobin formation and brown color development throughout the product. The combinations of carnosine and ascorbic acid were also very effective on inhibition of metmyoglobin formation and brown color development. Carnosine increased meat pH, cook yield and salt-soluble protein, but ascorbic acid had no effect on cook yield, and decreased meat pH and salt-soluble protein. Carnosine was more effective on inhibition of lipid peroxidation than ascorbic acid. Carnosine inhibited copper(II)-catalyzed ascorbate oxidation in a dose-dependent manner in model systems. Carnosine in conjunction with ascorbic acid may be useful as a meat additive for increasing shelf-life as well as stabilizing color of meat products.
Codon recognition: the allosteric ribosome hypothesis.

It is possible that simple base pairing between codon and anticodon triplets is incapable of providing the accuracy required for the translation process. An auxiliary mechanism for increasing this accuracy is herein proposed, whereby the ribosome recognizes the codon, in response to which it assumes a particular configuration. The ribosomal configuration in turn controls which of the tRNA species are permitted access to any given codon. Evidence supporting the model and some of its predictions are discussed.
Changes in carbohydrate, lipid, and protein levels with age and season in the sand dollar Mellita Quinquiesperforata

Abstract The seasonal levels and amounts of carbohydrate, lipid, and protein were determined for the gonad, gut, epithelium with spines, and test of young and old Mellita quinquieperforata (Leske). These biochemical constituents were evaluated in relation to the nutrient reserves, body shape, energy requirements, and habitat of the animal. Results indicated that young animals have gonad and gut indices which are twice as great as older animals. Gonad and gut indices show similar cyclic changes, with gonad indices reaching a peak in March and April. The gonadal carbohydrate level is highest (36%) during early maturation. As the gonads continue to mature, levels of carbohydrate decrease and levels of lipid and protein increase. Carbohydrate appears to be stored in the gonad. There are significantly greater amounts of lipid and protein in the epithelium with spines and in the test of younger sand dollars as compared to older sand dollars. Differences in biochemical composition between ovaries and testes are not significantly different during the spawning season. Increased water temperatures in summer are associated with mass mortalities of older animals. It would appear that older animals are not as nutritionally ‘fit’ as younger animals because of lower nutrient reserves and increased respiration at high water temperatures.
The relationship of bipolar left ventricular pacing stimulus intensity to cardiac depolarization and repolarization in humans with cardiac resynchronization devices.

Background: Myocardial depolarization can be altered by varying pacing stimulus output. This may have implications on response rates for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). The purpose of our study was to determine the relationship of left ventricular (LV) pacing stimulus intensity to measures of depolarization and repolarization in humans with CRT devices. Methods: In 37 patients with a CRT device and bipolar LV leads, bipolar LV-only pacing from maximum output to threshold was performed. The presence of changes in depolarization was defined by predetermined changes in ECG morphology that accompanied a change in bipolar stimulus amplitude. ECG parameters and the EGMs were analyzed at various LV pacing stimulus intensities. Results: Changes in ECG morphology were apparent in 70% of patients. These occurred at a mean LV stimulus amplitude of greater than 2.7 ± 0.8 V at 1 ms. Of the patients with changes in surface ECG, the transventricular conduction time decreased from 155 ± 41 ms at low output to 141 ± 39 ms at high output (P < 0.01). Despite a significant reduction in QRS duration with high output, mean QTc and JTc interval increased with increasing LV stimulus strength (539 ± 45 vs 559 ± 46 ms (P < 0.01) and 353 ± 31 ms vs 377 ± 32 (P < 0.01)). Conclusion: Increased LV stimulus intensity, independent of RV anodal capture, is associated with faster transventricular conduction time, changes in myocardial depolarization, and longer QT intervals. These findings have important implications on the relationship of programmed LV pacing output to pacing-induced proarrhythmia and clinical CRT response rates.
In-situ resistance measurements during ion-induced Pt/Al amorphous phase formation

Abstract Ion-induced amorphization of Pt/Al multilayers has been investigated by in-situ resistance measurements and has been correlated with transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction results. The resistance measurements distinguished an initial stage of rapid increase due the formation of an amorphous Al/Pt layer. This layer was believed to have a composition in the range of thermally induced amorphization. The slower final stage of resistance change was attributed to the formation of an amorphous layer with a compositional range extended beyond that found for thermal reactions.
A twenty‐year veteran's reflections on the Guiding Principles for Evaluators

Comparing the American Evaluation Association Guiding Principles with other sets of evaluation standards, this chapter addresses reactions to the principles and concludes with recommendations for their use.
Comparison of Gram stain, leukocyte esterase activity, andamniotic fluid glucose concentration in predicting amniotic fluid culture results in preterm premature rupture of membranes

Abstract OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to prospectively compare three rapid and inexpensive tests that have been proposed as predictors of amniotic fluid culture results in preterm premature rupture of membranes. STUDY DESIGN: Amniocentesis was performed on 117 patients ⪯34 weeks' gestational age with premature rupture of membranes and no clinical evidence of infection. Amniotic fluid was sent for Gram stain and aerobic, anaerobic, and Mycoplasma cultures. Leukocyte esterase activity and glucose concentration were also determined on the amniotic fluid. RESULTS: Amniotic fluid cultures were positive in 56 patients (47.8%). Leukocyte esterase activity of 1+ or 2+ and an amniotic fluid glucose concentration ≤l6 mg/dl were significantly more sensitive (p CONCLUSIONS: Although each of these rapid tests is useful in assessing for subdinical intraamniotic infection, none of them have sufficient accuracy to make clinical decisions solely on the basis of their results. ( Am J Obstet Gynecol 1992;167:1092–5.)
Facilitation of schematic concept formation as a function of two within-schema pretraining modes

Effects of prior training on schematic concept formation (SCF) were studied in a transfer paradigm employing two types of pretraining experience. One group scaled pairs of patterns from a single schema family; another group encountered the same set of patterns in a task requiring reproduction from memory. Upon transfer to a SCF task, the scaling group exhibited initial superiority. A group that had scaled random stimuli and a group that had no pretraining performed similarly over the first few transfer trials, but at a level below the scaling group and above the reproduction group. Discussion of results centered around a “nonspecific” transfer phenomenon.
Game domestication for animal production in Kenya: the nutritional ecology of oryx, zebu cattle and sheep under free-range conditions

Observations on oryx, sheep and cattle under natural grazing conditions in both a wet and a dry season are given and discussed.Dry faecal outputs by the sheep and oryx were less in the wet than in the dry season. Output by the cattle was greater than both, and showed little seasonal difference. Faecal nitrogen concentrations showed no interspecific overlap, in the rank order sheep > oryx > cattle. All were greater in the wet season, and the rank order maintained.Drinking water intakes were similar for oryx and sheep in both seasons. The cattle's water intake was greater in the wet season. Expressed as ml/kg W0·85/day, there were no overlaps in species' mean intakes, in the order cattle > sheep > oryx, in the ratio 100:57:24. In the dry season, the herd walked 16 km on non-drinking days, and a further 7 km on alternate days when receiving water. Under wetter conditions with more forage available, the herd walked only 11 km daily.Slight interspecific differences in the times spent walking, feeding, standing and lying were found over a 48 h period. In the wet season less time was spent walking and feeding, with corresponding increases in the other activities. The oryx were notable in that rumination occupied far less of their daytime activity than for the sheep or cattle although the total times spent ruminating were similar.The results are discussed in relation to differences in the species’ feeding habits and strategies of diet selection, combining the grazing results with observations from penned animals on a common diet. The intakes of water agree with the results from penned animals, confirming oryx's adaptation to hot, dry conditions. The advantages of a low water requirement, met by intermittent drinking, are discussed.The possible detrimental effects on productivity of a regime of day-grazing and night-penning under hot conditions are discussed. In the light of these, some advantages to oryx of scheduling its rumination to the night hours are suggested.
Age-dependent changes in olfactory-mediated behavioral investigations in the male rat

In the present experiment male Sprague-Dawley rats at three different ages (young, middle-aged, and old) were tested in a series of olfactory-mediated behavioral tests. The amount of ano-genital investigation directed to receptive females by old rats was significantly reduced compared to that of young and middle-aged animals. In contrast, general body investigation of receptive females was similar among the three age groups. The amount of anogenital investigation directed to nonreceptive females or immature male rats indicated significant differences only between young and old rats, with values from middle-aged rats being intermediate and not significantly different from either of the two extreme groups. General body investigation of nonreceptive females and immature males did not differ among the three age groups. Old rats showed the best performance in a location of buried food test with latencies to locate food approximately one-half that obtained from young and middle-aged rats. Measures of general locomotor activity indicated significantly greater values from young compared to middle-aged and old rats, with the latter two showing very similar levels. These results demonstrate clear discriminatory differences in olfactory-mediated behavioral performance of the male rat as a function of the specific test and age of the animal. Overall, the results suggest that olfactory-mediated behaviors related to reproduction appear more sensitive to age-related declines, while behavior related to food procurement is more minimally affected.
Chromium carbide–CNT nanocomposites with enhanced mechanical properties

Abstract Chromium carbide is widely used as a tribological coating material in high-temperature applications requiring high wear resistance and hardness. Herein, an attempt has been made to further enhance the mechanical and wear properties of chromium carbide coatings by reinforcing carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as a potential replacement of soft binder matrix using plasma spraying. The microstructures of the sprayed CNT-reinforced Cr 3 C 2 coatings were characterized using transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The mechanical properties were assessed using micro-Vickers hardness, nanoindentation and wear measurements. CNT reinforcement improved the hardness of the coating by 40% and decreased the wear rate of the coating by almost 45–50%. Cr 3 C 2 reinforced with 2 wt.% CNT had an elastic modulus 304.5 ± 29.2 GPa, hardness of 1175 ± 60 VH 0.300 and a coefficient of friction of 0.654. It was concluded that the CNT reinforcement increased the wear resistance by forming intersplat bridges while the improvement in the hardness was attributed to the deformation resistance of CNTs under indentation.
Measurement of the temporal coherence of an underwater optical scattered field

The coherence of a laser signal propagating through a turbid medium deteriorates due to scattering, affecting the performance of undereater coherent systems. The loss in coherence due to the scattering has been evaluated from the autocorrelation funcion obtained with an interoferometer followed by digital signal processing. © 1993 John Wiley & sons, Inc.
Gender, Interpersonal Orientation, and manipulation tactic use in close relationships

Investigations have focused on influence tactic pattern use in relation to socialized power differences due to gender. We carried Swap and Rubin's (1987) Interpersonal Orientation (IO) variable into the Buss, Gomes, Higgins, & Lauterbach (1987) framework for manipulation tactic use. Subjects were male and female undergraduates (N= 53) who scored either in the upper or lower quartiles of the IO scale. At testing, high and low IO subjects completed a demographic questionnaire and the Manipulation Tactics index with regard to a close, opposite-sex friend. We found that high IO females reported more frequent use of manipulation tactics than low IO females. Males' reported use of manipulation tactics was unrelated to their IO status. The results were discussed in terms of possible adaptive patterns developed by females to deal with perceived chronic powerlessness.
IRL-1620, a tumor selective vasodilator, augments the uptake and efficacy of chemotherapeutic agents in prostate tumor rats.

BACKGROUND IRL-1620, a potent endothelin B receptor agonist, enhanced the efficacy of paclitaxel in a breast tumor model, but its effect in prostate cancer is not known. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of IRL-1620 on tumor perfusion, uptake of [14C]-doxorubicin in the tumor and efficacy of doxorubicin (DOX), and 5-flurouracil (5-FU) in a rat prostate tumor model. METHODS JHU-4 (Mat-Lu) cells inoculated prostate tumor model in Copenhagen rats was used for the study. RESULTS Administration of IRL-1620 (3 nmol/kg, i.v) significantly increased (102.8%) prostate tumor perfusion and tumor uptake of [14C]-doxorubicin (115%) compared to vehicle treated rats. Results of the efficacy study demonstrate that IRL-1620 administration 15 min prior to DOX (5 mg/kg) or 5-FU (50 mg/kg) on every third day for a total of four doses significantly reduced tumor volume compared to vehicle treated rats. CONCLUSIONS IRL-1620 significantly enhanced the uptake and efficacy of anticancer agents in prostate cancer. Prostate 67: 701–713, 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Neuronal Death in the Hippocampus Is Promoted by Plasmin-Catalyzed Degradation of Laminin

Excess excitatory amino acids can provoke neuronal death in the hippocampus, and the extracellular proteases tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and plasmin (ogen) have been implicated in this death. To investigate substrates for plasmin that might influence neuronal degeneration, extracellular matrix (ECM) protein expression was examined. Laminin is expressed in the hippocampus and disappears after excitotoxin injection. Laminin disappearance precedes neuronal death, is spatially coincident with regions that exhibit neuronal loss, and is blocked by either tPA-deficiency or infusion of a plasmin inhibitor, both of which also block neuronal degeneration. Preventing neuron-laminin interaction by infusion of anti-laminin antibodies into tPA-deficient mice restores excitotoxic sensitivity to their hippocampal neurons. These results indicate that disruption of neuron-ECM interaction via tPA/plasmin catalyzed degradation of laminin sensitizes hippocampal neurons to cell death.
Histiocytoid cardiomyopathy and sudden death

We present a case of histiocytoid cardiomyopathy resulting in sudden and unexpected death in a 4-month-old infant with Peter's Anomaly and congenital glaucoma. At autopsy, the granular histiocytoid cells that define this entity were found predominantly involving the conduction system, with encasement and partial replacement the His' Bundle. Large aggregates of these cells formed atrioventricular and nodoventricular connections, indicating a possible mechanism for the arrhythmias characteristic of the condition. The striking propensity for involvement of the conduction system in this case lends further support to the view that this disorder represents a developmental anomaly of the Purkinje cell system of the heart.
Difficult airway management in the neonate: a simple method of intubating through a laryngeal mask airway

Tracheal intubation through a laryngeal mask airway is one option for securing an airway in the patient with a difficult airway. A variety of techniques and equipment have been used to stabilize the position of the tracheal tube while removing the laryngeal mask airway. We have shown that if a fibreoptic bronchoscope is used to place an tracheal tube through a laryngeal mask in neonates, additional equipment is not needed to remove the laryngeal mask airway without endangering tracheal tube placement. This is possible even in small neonates.
Democracy and the capitalist crisis: the case of Greece

The current economic crisis has revealed the tensions between capitalism and democracy and the extent to which the structural power relations of the former undermine the meaningfulness of democratic political institutions. This article explores these tensions by focusing on Greece and on the delegitimising impact that the current crisis and the austerity package supervised by the International Monetary Fund, European Union and the European Central Bank have had on the Greek political system.
Irrigation practices, herbicide use and ground-water contamination in citrus production: a case study in California

Abstract The citrus industry in Tulare County, CA is a major user of herbicides. The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) conducted a mailing survey of citrus growers in Tulare County in 1988 to identify and characterize irrigation and herbicide practices that might be associated with reported well-water contamination by three herbicides commonly used in citrus production. These herbicides, in decreasing frequency of presence in well water, were simazine, diuron and bromacil. The response rate to the questionnaire was 41%. Simazine was rated as the most important herbicide used in citrus production. However, the response to the survey suggests a broad range of chemical weed-control practices. Results indicate that production of citrus plays a role in herbicide well water contamination.
The movement of a nerve in a magnetic field: application to MRI Lorentz effect imaging

Direct detection of neural activity with MRI would be a breakthrough innovation in brain imaging. A Lorentz force method has been proposed to image nerve activity using MRI; a force between the action currents and the static MRI magnetic field causes the nerve to move. In the presence of a magnetic field gradient, this will cause the spins to precess at a different frequency, affecting the MRI signal. Previous mathematical modeling suggests that this effect is too small to explain the experimental data, but that model was limited because the action currents were assumed to be independent of position along the nerve and because the magnetic field was assumed to be perpendicular to the nerve. In this paper, we calculate the nerve displacement analytically without these two assumptions. Using realistic parameter values, the nerve motion is <5 nm, which induced a phase shift in the MRI signal of <0.02°. Therefore, our results suggest that Lorentz force imaging is beyond the capabilities of current technology.
Inertial Confinement of Extended Radio Sources

Extended radio sources confinement through suggested dynamic process permitting intergalactic medium density deduction possibility
Regularity of the Anosov splitting II

We present an optimal result for the regularity of the invariant distributions of an Anosov system in terms of expansion and contraction rates. Compared to earlier results it avoids an ‘infinitesimal loss’ in the Holder exponent.
Moisture Concentration and Temperature Dependence of the Coefficient of Hygroscopic Swelling (CHS)

This paper presents an experimental and computational study done on an epoxy to determine the effect of moisture level and temperature on the Coefficient of Hygroscopic Swelling (CHS). When a non-hermetic package is exposed to a humid environment, the adhesives used in the package absorb moisture and swell. This can induce stresses in the package that can lead to failure. The Coefficient of Hygroscopic Swelling is defined as the ratio of hygroscopic strain to the moisture concentration in the material. It has been found from prior literature that hygroscopic strains are significant and have to be accounted for in reliability modeling [1]. Prior research investigated the measurement of CHS experimentally using techniques such as thermo mechanical analysis (TMA) [1] [2], moire interferometry [3], and digital image correlation (DIC) [4]. An experimental method using the TMA technique was used to measure the CHS [1], but further analysis using improved techniques was recommended to get a more precise measurement. One of the goals of this paper was to investigate experimental and numerical techniques that would help better understand various factors that affect the measurement. This paper focuses on measurement of CHS for an epoxy used in optoelectronic packaging. The DIC technique was chosen for measurement of CHS. Moisture loss during the test leads to a change in the moisture concentration in the sample. While it may be thought that the moisture loss during the DIC scan can be assumed negligible due to the short test time compared to other methods, this assumption did not hold well for the epoxy material tested. The ramp rate chosen for the measurement will affect the amount of moisture lost from the sample. This has to be carefully chosen to minimize the moisture loss. These effects have to be accounted for in the CHS computation. The CHS value calculated will be significantly affected if these factors are high within the range of the measurement. This paper describes the investigation to minimize such effects in the measurement of CHS and attempts to account for them using computational methods. The CHS of an epoxy material was measured and its dependence on temperature and moisture concentration was determined.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Anatomical characterization of bombesin receptor subtype-3 mRNA expression in the rodent central nervous system.

Bombesin receptor subtype-3 (BRS-3) is an orphan G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) involved in the regulation of energy homeostasis. Mice deficient in BRS-3 develop late-onset mild obesity with metabolic defects, while synthetic agonists activating BRS-3 show antiobesity profiles by inhibiting food intake and increasing metabolic rate in rodent models. The molecular mechanisms and the neural circuits responsible for these effects, however, remain elusive and demand better characterization. We report here a comprehensive mapping of BRS-3 mRNA in the rat and mouse brain through in situ hybridization. Furthermore, to investigate the neurochemical characteristics of the BRS-3-expressing neurons, double in situ hybridization was performed to determine whether BRS-3 colocalizes with other neurotransmitters or neuropeptides. Many, but not all, of the BRS-3-expressing neurons were found to be glutamatergic, while few were found to be cholinergic or GABAergic. BRS-3-containing neurons do not express some of the well-characterized neuropeptides, such as neuropeptide Y (NPY), proopiomelanocortin (POMC), orexin/hypocretin, melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH), thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), and kisspeptin. Interestingly, BRS-3 mRNA was found to partially colocalize with corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), suggesting novel interactions of BRS-3 with stress- and growth-related endocrine systems. Our study provides important information for evaluating BRS-3 as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of obesity. J. Comp. Neurol. 521:1020–1039, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Removal of As(V) Using an Iron-Impregnated Ion Exchange Bead

The ability of an iron-impregnated ion exchange bead (PWX5) to remove As(V) from ground water was investigated. The effects of particle size, solution pH, As(V) concentration, competition, adsorbent concentration, temperature, iron content, and iron accessibility on removal kinetics and/or equilibrium were determined. PWX5's performance was compared to other iron-based adsorbents, primarily Bayoxide® E-33 (E-33), a granular ferric oxide, for arsenic removal performance. All of the factors cited impacted either the amount of As(V) adsorbed or the rate of adsorption. Stirred batch reactor data showed the rate of adsorption increased as particle size decreased and bottle point isotherm data showed As(V) adsorption maximum capacity increased with higher initial adsorbate concentration. The presence of phosphate and silicate reduced the amount of As(V) adsorbed as did a pH > 7.0. PWX5 is durable, rather homogeneous in size and effective at removing As(V). It is a viable alternative to E-33 which has a wider si...
Novel dinitroxide mediating agent for stable free‐radical polymerization

A novel dinitroxide mediating agent that was suitable for stable free-radical polymerization was synthesized and used in the block copolymerization of styrene and t-butyl styrene. Quantitative yields of a novel dinitroxide based on 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate and 4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-piperidinyloxy were obtained. Various experimental parameters, including the nitroxide-to-initiator molar ratio, were examined, and it was determined that the polymerization was most controlled under conditions similar to those of conventional 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-piperidinyloxy-mediated stable free-radical polymerization. Moreover, the dinitroxide mediator proved to be a viable route for the facile two-step synthesis of triblock copolymers of styrene and t-butyl styrene. However, the dinitroxide mediation process resulted in a higher than expected level of nitroxide decomposition, which resulted in polymers possessing a terminal alkoxyamine and an adjacent hydroxylamine rather than a preferred internal bisalkoxyamine. This decomposition resulted in the formation of diblock copolymer species during the triblock copolymer synthesis. Gel permeation chromatography was used to monitor the chain-end decomposition kinetics, and the determined observed rate constant (5.89 × 10−5 s−1) for decomposition agreed well with previous studies for other dinitroxide mediating agents. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 42: 1547–1556, 2004
Complications of total elbow replacement: a systematic review

Total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) is becoming an increasingly popular reconstructive procedure. Improved surgical techniques, newer implant designs, and improving clinical results have each contributed to the rise in prevalence of this surgical intervention. Themost common indication remains rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, with the advent of semiconstrained prostheses, the indications have expanded to include post-traumatic sequelae such as instability and arthritis, as well as acute comminuted distal humerus fractures in the elderly. The rate of complications following TEA, ranging from 20% to 45%, is higher than in other large joint replacements. In their review of the literature, Gschwend et al reported a complication rate of 43% including aseptic loosening, infections, ulnar nerve complications, instability, disassembly, dislocation, subluxation, intraoperative fractures, fractures of the prosthesis, and ectopic bone formation. In order to reduce these complications, a variety of technical advances have been made within the last decade in the areas of prosthetic design and surgical technique. Fully constrained prostheses have fallen out of favor due to their high rates of aseptic loosening. They have been largely replaced by linked and unlinked components. The linked prostheses are semi-constrained and utilize ‘‘sloppy hinges,’’ which both decrease the rate of aseptic
Towards Robust Multi-Agent Systems: Handling Communication Exceptions in Double Auctions

This paper addresses an important question in the development of multi-agent systems - how can we create robust systems out of the often unreliable agents and infrastructures we can expect to find in an open systems' context? Here we examine an approach based on distinct exception handling services, and apply it to systems performing resource allocation by means of a double auction.
Measurements of differential diffusion in a liquid-filled lung model

A noninvasive method for obtaining quantitative images of differential diffusion in liquid-filled lung models is presented. The method utilizes planar fluorescence imaging to obtain differences in concentration fields and was tested on an oscillatory flow of water in a Y-shaped tube. Differences as large as 36% were measured between the concentration fields of two dyes having a factor of 15 difference in their diffusion coefficient. The method is applicable to the study of differential diffusion in any internal flow. The relevance to recent clinical studies of liquid phase respiration (Greenspan et al. 1990) is discussed.