cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Low Triiodothyronine and Raised Reverse Triiodothyronine Levels in Patients Over Fifty Years of Age Who Have Type II Diabetes Mellitus: Influence of Metabolic Control, Not Age

Several studies have demonstrated that the uncontrolled diabetic state in both type I as well as type II diabetes mellitus is characterized by altered thyroid hormone metabolism, which results in the lowering of serum triiodothyronine (T3) levels and a reciprocal elevation of T3 (rT3) levels. Because the majority of type II diabetics are over 50 years of age and because numerous previous reports have implicated aging as a cause of low T3 and high rT3 levels, we studied 220 type II diabetics from 40-85 years of age to assess the influence of aging and metabolic control on thyroid hormone levels. Serum thyroxine (T4) free T4, T3 resin uptake, and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) measurements in diabetic patients were not significantly altered compared with 37 young normal control subjects, irrespective of age or the grade of metabolic control. Serum T3 levels declined and rT3 levels rose in the diabetic patients with worsening of the metabolic control. However, with comparable metabolic control, the levels were not significantly different from the younger patients. Therefore, low T3 and high rT3 levels observed in patients of any age who have type II diabetes mellitus may be exclusively caused by deranged metabolic control of their disease.
ABSOLUTE INSTABILITY OR CHAOS? — A TRIBUTE TO DR. DAVID G. CRIGHTON

The stabilities of an elastic plate clamped on an infinite, rigid baffle subject to any time dependent force excitation in the presence of mean flow are examined. The mechanisms that can cause plate flexural vibrations to be absolute unstable when the mean flow speed exceeds a critical value are revealed. Results show that the instabilities of an elastic plate are mainly caused by an added stiffness due to acoustic radiation in mean flow, but controlled by the structural nonlinearities. This added stiffness is shown to be negative and increase quadratically with the mean flow speed. Hence, as the mean flow speed approaches a critical value, the added stiffness may null the overall stiffness of the plate, leading to an unstable condition. Note that without the inclusion of the structural nonlinearities, the plate has only one equilibrium position, namely, its undeformed flat position. Under this condition, the amplitude of plate flexural vibration would grow exponentially in time everywhere, known as absolute instability. With the inclusion of structural nonlinearities, the plate may possess multiple equilibrium positions. When the mean flow speed exceeds the critical values, the plate may be unstable and jump from one equilibrium position to another. Since this jumping is random, the plate flexural vibration may seem chaotic.
Genetic Mapping Forage Yield, Plant Height, and Regrowth at Multiple Harvests in Tetraploid Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.)

Hybrids between Medicago sativa subsp. falcata and M. sativa subsp. sativa can result in high levels of heterosis for alfalfa forage production. However, commercially viable alfalfa cultivars also must have acceptable performance for other agronomic traits, including regrowth following harvest and appropriate autumn dormancy. In this study, we characterized an F1 population derived from the cross of the two subspecies for the genetics of forage production, forage height, and forage regrowth at three harvests in two Iowa locations for 1 yr. Quantitative trait loci (QTLs) controlling these traits were mapped on a genetic linkage map developed from this population. Broad-sense heritabilities and genetic correlations among the traits were high. Marker alleles associated with QTLs for these traits were contributed by each parental genome, suggesting that both subspecies of cultivated alfalfa may contribute to the improvement of these traits. Multiple regression models accounted for between 11 and 44% of the trait variation. The most marker–trait associations were detected during the first harvest. Marker effects were generally similar across harvests. Markers associated with autumn regrowth tended to be different from those associated with regrowth earlier in the season, suggestive of the identification of autumn dormancy effects. The winter hardiness gene MsaciB is a candidate locus for yield and regrowth, being associated with yield across three harvests and with autumn regrowth. A subset of alleles was associated with more than one of the traits. Major alleles for the three traits appear to reside primarily on linkage groups (LGs) 3, 4, 5, and 7.
Synthesis and evaluation of epoxy polymer coatings for the analysis of proteins by capillary zone electrophoresis

Abstract This paper reports a diol-epoxy coating process to deactivate the inner surface of fused-silica capillaries for use in capillary zone electrophoresis. The most effective coating consists of an epoxy polymer covalently bonded to the silica surface through glycerylpropyl silane which eliminates a number of the negatively charged silanol groups. The epoxy polymer phase also further masks residual surface silanols and sterically limits interaction of proteins with the inorganic surface of the capillary. Application of the coating was a multi-step process. In the initial step, glycidylpropyltrimethoxy silane was used to derivatize the surface of fused-silica capillaries. This was followed by deposition at the capillary wall of a film of multifunctional oxirane. Polymerization was achieved by either boron trifluoride or tertiary amine. These coatings were of sufficient thickness and hydrophilicity to reduce protein adsorption but still allow sufficient electroosmotic pumping to carry both positive and negative species past the detector. The coatings provided capillaries with lifetimes exceeding 120 h. Proteins were resolved quickly and efficiently with high recovery of both cationic and anionic species between pH 5 to 10.
Examination of a dual-process model predicting riding with drinking drivers.

BACKGROUND: Nearly 1 in 5 of the fatalities in alcohol-related crashes are passengers. Few studies have utilized theory to examine modifiable psychosocial predictors of individuals' tendencies to be a passenger in a vehicle operated by a driver who has consumed alcohol. This study used a prospective design to test a dual-process model featuring reasoned and reactive psychological influences and psychosocial constructs as predictors of riding with drinking drivers (RWDD) in a sample of individuals aged 18 to 21. METHODS: College students (N = 508) completed web-based questionnaires assessing RWDD, psychosocial constructs (attitudes, expectancies, and norms), and reasoned and reactive influences (intentions and willingness) at baseline (the middle of the spring semester) and again 1 and 6 months later. Regression was used to analyze reasoned and reactive influences as proximal predictors of RWDD at the 6-month follow-up. Subsequent analyses examined the relationship between the psychosocial constructs as distal predictors of RWDD and the mediation effects of reasoned and reactive influences. RESULTS: Both reasoned and reactive influences predicted RWDD, while only the reactive influence had a significant unique effect. Reactive influences significantly mediated the effects of peer norms, attitudes, and drinking influences on RWDD. Nearly all effects were constant across gender except parental norms (significant for females). CONCLUSIONS: Findings highlight that the important precursors of RWDD were reactive influences, attitudes, and peer and parent norms. These findings suggest several intervention methods, specifically normative feedback interventions, parent-based interventions, and brief motivational interviewing, may be particularly beneficial in reducing RWDD. Language: en
Inmate-to-Inmate Prison Sexuality A Review of Empirical Studies

For the past 90 years, sociologists, psychologists, and penologists have been studying inmate-to-inmate prison sexuality. These researchers have made great strides in advancing the study of prison ...
Hydroxyproline-O-glycosylated peptide tags enhance recombinant protein yields in tobacco transient expression

Abstract Plant transient expression provides a rapid production platform for recombinant proteins but is linked with low protein yields. To test if plant-specific hydroxyproline (Hyp)-O-glycosylated peptide tags attached to a target protein can improve overall yields of recombinant protein transiently expressed in Nicotiana benthamiana, enhanced green fluorescence protein (EGFP) was expressed as a fusion with 5 or 32 tandem repeats of a serine–proline motif, designated (SP)5 or (SP)32, which is known to direct extensive Hyp-O-glycosylation in plants. EGFP containing the (SP)n motif showed enhanced yields in the order as follows: EGFP
Quality of Life: Can It and Should It Be Assessed in Patients with Heart Failure?

The goal of therapy in patients with severe symptomatic heart failure is improvement in symptoms, stabilization or improvement in functional abilities, and improved comfort for the remaining duration of life. Prolongation of survival without these benefits appears less desirable. There is poor correlation among hemodynamic features (including ejection fraction), exercise capacity, and quality of life attributes. Patients value as an outcome of therapy quality of life attributes: comfort, sense of well-being, and physical and other functional capabilities. By contrast, patients with asymptomatic ventricular dysfunction cannot anticipate any short-term benefit of therapy, whose goal is solely improvement in long-term survival. Interference by therapy with any aspect of life quality is likely to adversely affect compliance and thereby limit long-term outcome advantages.
Teaching K-12 students robotics programming in collaboration with the robotics club

We present the result of a study in which a summer K-12 robotics course has been taught by a college professor and three student members from the Vaughn College's Robotics Club. Our aim was to provide an enjoyable teaching and learning environment similar to a "Big Brothers" program so that high school students can learn robotics programming more efficiently. We present details on the approach we have taken as well as K-12 student feedback made through the comments on the course survey. Finally, we discuss the future works that may be able to improve the teaching approach. The participants for the summer robotics course were students ranging from junior high school to senior high school. Prior to attending the summer program, most of the students did not have experience regarding robotics and generally did not know how to build and program a robot. After completing the five-week summer program, their interests in robotics had a dramatic increase. Most students were excited about coming back next summer to gain a more advanced understanding about robotics.
ENERGY STORAGE ANALYSIS TO INCREASE LARGE SHIP FUEL EFFICIENCY

The marine transportation industry is a significant contributor to global emissions of CO2 and other pollutants. Although marine emission standards have become increasingly stringent, increasing fuel efficiency remains the primary objective in terms of further reducing emissions and overall marine energy use. In this paper, a hybrid powertrain is investigated as a means of increasing fuel efficiency for a modern, 100 m class, passenger vessel. The hybrid powertrain includes an Energy Storage System (ESS) based on sodium sulfur (NaS) batteries and commercially available Caterpillar diesel engine-generator sets. The ship’s power load profile is based on annual averages for similar vessels. A control strategy and simulation models are developed and implemented in Simulink to analyze the power and energy flows in the hybrid powertrain. The Simulink model is used to compare the base scenario of a ship without energy storage to a hybrid scenario employing a 7.5 MWh NaS battery pack with related control strategy. Annual fuel consumption is the primary measure that is used to assess efficiency. Unlike hybrid powertrains for light-duty surface vehicle transportation, which achieve efficiency gains on the order of 10–20% [8, 9, 10], the hybrid powertrain for a large ship is estimated to lower annual fuel consumption by approximately 2%. The surprisingly small level of fuel savings is explained largely by the granularity of marine power systems, which include multiple generators that can be switched on and off to maximize fuel efficiency.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Astronomy: Distant planet is the hottest yet.

The first planet beyond our Solar System to be detected by means of the transit method has now been found to orbit its star almost twenty times closer than Mercury orbits the Sun.
A Multi-Materials Approach for the Management Information Systems Course

AbstractBusiness organizations have been implementing computer-based management information systems (MIS) since the mid-1960's. TCU has offered an MIS course since 1971. A number of original approaches have been developed by the faculty members teaching the course. The result is a set of classroom-proven materials that provide students with several options for “hands-on” involvement — cases and case solution techniques, both small and large decision support systems, and formats for field projects. The authors describe each approach and make recommendations based on their experiences.
Mild Protocol for the Synthesis of Stable Nickel Complexes Having Primary and Secondary Silyl Ligands

A mild protocol for the synthesis of (PNP)Ni(SiH2Ph) and (PNP)Ni(SiHPh2) (PNP− = N[2-P(CHMe2)2-4-MeC6H3]2) stemming from the hydride complex (PNP)NiH is presented along with their corresponding sol...
Transfer of reducing equivalents across the mitochondrial membrane I. Hydrogen transfer mechanisms involved in the reduction of pyruvate to lactate in isolated liver cells

Abstract 1. The reduction of pyruvate to lactate has been studied in isolated liver cells in order to elucidate the mechanims involved in the transfer of reducing equivalents from mitochondria to cytosol. 2. Manipulation of the cytosolic oxaloacetate concentration did not support the malate-oxaloacetate cycle as being responsible for the transfer of reducing equivalents out of the mitochondria: a. With pyruvate plus oleate present 2 mM Amytal caused a 10-fold decrease in the oxaloacetate concentration, but had only a small inhibitory effect on lactate production. Oleate was essential in order to prevent disintegration of the cells in the presence of Amytal. b. Quinolinate, an inhibitor of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (GTP: oxaloacetate carboxylyase, transphos-phorylating, EC 4.1.1.32), caused a several-fold increase in the oxaloacetate concentration but inhibited lactate production from pyruvate; this was accompanied by an increased reduction of mitochondrial pyridine nucleotides. 3. p-Chlorophenyl pyruvate, an inhibitor of pyruvate carboxylase (pyruvate: carbondioxide ligase, ADP, EC 6.4.1.1), also inhibited lactate production from pyruvate. 4. It is postulated that with pyruvate as substrate, recycling of carbon via pyruvate carboxylase, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase and pyruvate kinase (ATP: pyruvate phosphotransferase, EC 2.7.1.40) is an important, energy-requiring, mechanism for the transfer of the proportion of NADH not directly associated with gluconeogenesis.
Predicting the usage of an advanced communication technology

Abstract Despite the advantages associated with computer-mediated communication technologies, many people do not use such systems even when they are readily available. Efforts to identify the variables which mediate the relationship between the introduction of such technologies and their use have only recently become the focal point of systematic investigation. This paper explores the effects of three categories of predictor variables on the usage of a voice store and forward communication system. The variables include the individuals’ attitudes toward the technology, their prior experiences with the voice message system, and the nature of their communication pattern. Data for this analysis were obtained from a mailed survey (N = 279, response rate = 78 per cent) of employees who were listed as subscribers of the company's voice mail (i.e., VOX). Regression analyses indicate that the strongest predictor of VOX usage was the respondent's attitude toward the system. Length of prior experience was also posit...
Direct measurement of the system latency of gaze-contingent displays

Gaze-contingent displays combine a display device with an eyetracking system to rapidly update an image on the basis of the measured eye position. All such systems have a delay, the system latency, between a change in gaze location and the related change in the display. The system latency is the result of the delays contributed by the eyetracker, the display computer, and the display, and it is affected by the properties of each component, which may include variability. We present a direct, simple, and low-cost method to measure the system latency. The technique uses a device to briefly blind the eyetracker system (e.g., for video-based eyetrackers, a device with infrared light-emitting diodes (LED)), creating an eyetracker event that triggers a change to the display monitor. The time between these two events, as captured by a relatively low-cost consumer camera with high-speed video capability (1,000 Hz), is an accurate measurement of the system latency. With multiple measurements, the distribution of system latencies can be characterized. The same approach can be used to synchronize the eye position time series and a video recording of the visual stimuli that would be displayed in a particular gaze-contingent experiment. We present system latency assessments for several popular types of displays and discuss what values are acceptable for different applications, as well as how system latencies might be improved.
Entrenamiento físico en pacientes con insuficiencia cardíaca

Resumen La insuficiencia cardiaca constituye una prioridad esencial en el ambito de la salud, tanto en Norteamerica como en Sud-america, donde incluso se llega a las hospitalizaciones cuando el diagnostico principal presenta condiciones graves. Hay una relacion directamente proporcional entre prevalencia de insuficiencia cardiaca y edad. Sin embargo, la mortalidad por insuficiencia cardiaca esta en declinacion debido a los avances medicos, administracion de medicamentos, e intervenciones no farmacologicas. Una de estas intervenciones es, el entrenamiento fisico o el ejercicio, los cuales estan siendo ampliamente aceptados por la comunidad medica como una opcion viable en el manejo medico de pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca permanente. Tanto los ejercicios aerobicos como de fuerza han demostrado ser eficaces en este tipo de pacientes. Actualmente la evidencia no solo respalda el ejercicio para mejorar o mantener la funcion fisica en pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca, sino tambien la calidad de vida en general. Muchos estudios han demostrado que el ejercicio en la poblacion mejora el caracter de las personas y el bienestar general reconocido por ellas mismas. Aunque los beneficios al miocardio producidos por el ejercicio pueden ser minimos en pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca, los beneficios perifericos que dan como resultado una mejor capacidad fisica y la conservacion de la independencia son muy significativos. Basados en la evidencia cientifica existente en el ambito del ejercicio y la insuficiencia cardiaca, los medicos que trabajan con esta poblacion tienen la informacion necesaria para recomendar prescripciones de ejercicios. Actualmente, diversas declaraciones de puntos de vista medicos confirman el ejercicio como una modalidad segura y efectiva para pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca.
Four modalities of periodontal treatment compared over five years

The purpose of the study was to compare, over 5 yr, the results following four conventionally used modalities of treatment for moderate-to-advanced periodontitis. Ninety subjects (53 females and 37 males), age 24 to 68 yr (mean 45) were selected for the study from persons seeking dental care or who were referred for periodontal treatment at The University of Michigan School of Dentistry. To be included, the subjects had to have at least 20 treatable teeth, and some periodontal pockets extending at least 4.0 mm or more apically to the cementoenamel junction. Plaque, gingivitis, calculus, depth of pockets, clinical loss of attachment from the cementoenamel junction and tooth mobility were scored. For the present paper, only pocket depth and attachment level scores were considered. All of the patients then had scaling, root planing and instruction in oral hygiene by a dental hygienist for a total of 5 to 8 h over about 4 wk. A periodontist checked the completeness of calculus removal and did occlusal adjustment if he considered it to be indicated. A rescoring was done 4 wk after completion of the scaling and root planing. Then four types of periodontal treatment were provided by a periodontist. Each quadrant of the patient's dentition was assigned randomly to one of four treatment types: (1) surgical pocket elimination or reduction, including bone surgery, (2) modified Widman flap surgery, (3) subgingival curettage following scaling and root planing, and (4) scaling and root planing only. The teeth were polished once a week for 3 to 4 wk after the periodontal treatment. Then the patients were placed on recall prophylaxis and topical fluoride every 3 months, and scored annually prior to prophylaxis. If, at the time of the routine prophylaxis, pocket exudate could be expressed by moving a ball burnisher against the surface of the gingiva and/or overt bleeding resulted from pocket probing, the patient was rescheduled in 2 to 3 wk for examination and possible retreatment by a periodontist. Data for pocket depth and attachment level were arranged on the basis of the initial measurements in groups of 1-3 mm depth, 4-6 mm and >7 mm depth. One-way analysis of variance was used to test the hypothesis of equal treatment effects in the three levels of pocket depth at the end of the hygienic phase and at each yearly interval following treatment. The test was performed on patient means for changes in pocket depth and attachment level. If the hypothesis of equal treatment effect was rejected at the 0.05 level of significance using ANOVA, Scheffe's method for multiple comparisons was used to determine which of the pairs of treatment differed. Percentage distribution of sites with loss of >2 mm and >3 mm for the various groups also were compared. The measurements for the teeth that were lost were included until the teeth were lost. Seventy-two of the original 90 patients completed the 5-yr study.
Results of a Phase 2 Clinical Trial Testing the Efficacy of Plerixafor in Combination with Chemotherapy in the Mobilization of Autologous Blood Hematopoietic Progenitor Cells

s / Biol Blood Marrow Transplant 19 (2013) S178eS193 S191 herpetic neuralgia (n1⁄45), severe pain (n1⁄43), scarring (n1⁄41), and motor weakness (n1⁄41); 2 patients required hospitalization and 3 patients developed disseminated zoster. Conclusions: Our limited retrospective analysis suggests a significant reduction in rates of post auto-HCT rates of VZV infection with extended 12month antiviral prophylaxis. VZV infection is a significant complication post auto-HCT, and extended prophylaxis appears to be safe and effective in this setting.
IMMATURE DUODENAL MOTOR RESPONSES TO BOLUS FEEDINGS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH DELAYED GASTRIC EMPTYING IN PRETERM INFANTS. • 1864

IMMATURE DUODENAL MOTOR RESPONSES TO BOLUS FEEDINGS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH DELAYED GASTRIC EMPTYING IN PRETERM INFANTS. • 1864
Immunodiagnosis of adult chlamydial conjunctivitis.

Abstract This study presents data from a prospective comparison of four currently available diagnostic tests for Chlamydia trachomatis infection. Seventy-six patients clinically suspicious for chlamydial conjunctivitis were all tested with Giemsa stain cytology, direct monoclonal fluorescent antibody (DFA) microscopy, enzyme immunosorbent assay (EIA) for chlamydial antigens, and standard McCoy cell culture. When compared with primary cell culture, diagnostic Giemsa inclusions had a sensitivity and specificity of 43 and 100%, respectively, supportive Giemsa cytology 71 and 67%,the enzyme immunoassay 71 and 97%, and the monoclonal fluorescent antibody 57 and 81 %. Each nonculture method has distinct advantages in terms of cost, technical difficulty, speed, and accuracy, which dictate selection of the most appropriate test for office or laboratory diagnosis of chlamydial conjunctivitis.
In Vitro Mineralization of Collagen in Demineralized Fish Bone

Simultaneous small- and wide-angle X-ray diffraction of in vitro calcified highly ordered decalcified shad fish bone collagen have identified the calcium phosphate (Ca-P) crystals, formed as poorly crystalline apatite, and their highly ordered spatial, axial distribution with respect to the supramolecular packing of collagen fibrils. The extent of in vitro calcification was significantly diminished when the supramolecular collagen packing was disrupted. These findings are similar to both electron microscopic and small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) studies of native shad and other species of fish bone and other animal species and of in vitro experiments of the calcification of purified and reconstituted native type collagen fibrils. The results emphasize the important role of the supramolecular packing of collagen fibrils in the heterogeneous nucleation of apatite crystals initiating calcification. The exquisite spatial relationships of the inorganic crystal and the supramolecular packing of native collagen fibrils also form a two-phase composite substance, providing distinct mechanical properties and other physiological functions to bone substance and tissue.
Raman spectroscopic evaluation of aging and long-wave UV exposure in the guinea pig lens: a possible model for human aging.

The laser Raman optical dissection technique makes it possible to study individual points of minute volumes (2×10−3μl) in the intact living lens in vitro. This technique was used to measure the sulfhydryl and disulfide content of 21 distinct points along the visual axis of the guinea-pig lens after aging and long-wave ultraviolet exposure (9-month duration in vivo). To facilitate comparison between different lenses, data was compiled as the intensity ratio of sulfhydryl (2580 cm−1) to a protein reference signal (2731 cm−1) or disulfide (508 cm−1) to phenylalanine (622 cm−1). These 21 ratios for each experiment were plotted as a function of the distance of the point from the nuclear center of the lens to give a visual axis profile. From these profiles we have found that the loss of sulfhydryl can be accelerated in the guinea-pig lens by in vivo ultraviolet exposure (353 nm peak from an incoherent source) for nine months. There is also a subsequent uniform increase in the disulfide content across the visual axis after UV exposure suggesting a direct sulfhydryl to disulfide conversion in the guinea-pig lens.
Optimization of multi-layer front-contact grid patterns for solar cells

In a front-contact grid pattern for a solar cell there is a trade-off necessary between shadowing loss and excessive power loss due to voltage drop in the metalization itself. If the metalization is too little there may be excessive contact resistance to the underlying semiconductor and insufficient coverage to control losses in the thin front-surface layer of the solar cell. Optimization of grid pattern area and geometry is considered analytically to minimize total losses. Worthwhile performance advantages are shown to be possible, particularly in concentrator systems, if multi-layer grid patterns are used. The current carrying fingers should be approximately square in metal cross section and the main current feedout bars should not only be wider but also thicker than the primary collecting fingers. This is termed multi-level metalization. Effective use of multi-level grid metalization allows much greater concentration-to-loss ratio for a cell of large area and permits good performance from cells of high front-layer sheet resistance.
Metacognition: Implications for training teachers of the gifted

Teachers of the gifted should be required to become aware of the learning process. This awareness should be of a personal nature rather than the type of knowledge generally acquired in learning theory courses. Awareness is important because it allows the learner to gain control over learning and problem‐solving. This awareness and control is currently called metacognition in psychological and educational research. A metacognitive approach to teaching the gifted is also proposed.
Mesotron (Intermediate Particle) as a Name for the New Particles of Intermediate Mass

THE existence of particles intermediate in mass between protons and electrons has been shown in experiments on the cosmic radiation1. Since at present so little is known concerning the properties of these particles, for example, the exact value of the mass, the laws governing their production, their stability against disintegration, etc., it may yet be too early to assign to them a name. But inasmuch as several names have already been suggested, namely, dynatron, penetron, barytron, heavy electron, yukon and x-particle, it may be wise to consider the matter at this time.
Electron backscattered diffraction study of cleavage fracture in pure iron

Abstract EBSD studies were performed to explore the potential of trace analysis to determine the crystallography of cleavage fracture plane and planar defects that form during cryogenic fracture of pure iron. Single- and double-surface trace analysis revealed that cleavage occurred along the cube {1 0 0} planes. In addition, using EBSD we were able to identify the planar defects that formed during fracture to be twins on {1 1 2} planes. The combination of trace analysis and orientation mapping was able to uniquely identify the specific variants of the {1 1 2} planes associated with each set of twins. The twin/matrix interface was mostly scalloped suggesting that twin formation could be the result of twinning on multiple twin planes.
Diagnostic value for coronary artery disease of chest pain during dipyridamole-thallium stress testing

Abstract Intravenous dipyridamole with thallium imaging permits stress testing for coronary artery disease (CAD) without exercise. Chest pain may occur with dipyridamole-thallium testing, but its diagnostic significance is uncertain. Forty-five patients who had coronary angiography, no revascularization and chest pain during dipyridamole-thallium testing were identified. These patients were matched blindly by sex and age to 45 patients who had coronary angiography, no revascularization and no chest pain reported during the dipyridamole-thallium test. In the groups with versus without chest pain, 9 versus 24% had no CAD, 16 versus 16% had 1-vessel disease, 38 versus 29% had 2-vessel CAD and 38 versus 29% had 3-vessel CAD. These differences did not achieve statistical significance. Also, there were no evident differences in the severity of angiographie CAD by vessel or by percent of stenosis (p > 0.50). There was only a moderate association with ischemic ST changes (40 versus 16%, p
Absence of superconductivity in 225 compositions of 19 partially-metal-substituted LaCuO3 systems.

The compound ${\mathrm{LaCuO}}_{3}$, and the substituted series ${\mathrm{La}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{x}}$${\mathrm{M}}_{\mathrm{x}}$${\mathrm{CuO}}_{3}$, where M=Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Pb, Sc, Y, Pr, Nd, Sb, Bi, Ti, Zr, or Ce and ${\mathrm{LaCu}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{x}}$${\mathrm{M}}_{\mathrm{x}}^{\ensuremath{'}}$${\mathrm{O}}_{3}$, where M\ensuremath{'}=Cr, Fe, Ni, Zn, or Ag, have been prepared by high-pressure, high-temperature synthesis. The electrical resistivity was checked qualitatively, and the magnetic susceptibility measured to minimum temperatures of 2\char21{}50 K. No evidence of the Meissner effect was found in any of the compositions studied, indicative of the absence of superconductivity in at least 99% of the sample volume.
Measuring gel content of aromatic polyesters using FTIR spectrophotometry and DSC

Abstract Aromatic polyesters, such as poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) or PBAT, are susceptible to photodegradation, which causes crosslinking in their molecular structure and results in a final reduction of their mechanical properties. Gel content is one of the methods to quantify the degree of crosslinking, but the current ASTM method has some serious drawbacks, including a time-consuming procedure and the use of dangerous solvent. Therefore, the objective of this work was to use and to compare two new methods in measuring the gel content of aromatic polyester films using DSC and FTIR spectrophotometry. PBAT samples were exposed to UV radiation and their gel contents were measured according to ASTM D 2765 and ISO 10147. Two new models to measuring and predicting gel contents were developed and established; (1) an empirical model using changes in absorbance intensities at wave number of 796 cm−1 corresponding to 1, 2, 4 trisubstitute benzene and (2) a DSC Avrami equation using melting peak onset time differences between non-crosslinked and crosslinked samples. Both models accurately predicted high gel contents, but the DSC Avrami model seems to better predict gel content in the whole range since the empirical FTIR values were likely to mispredict at low gel contents.
Effect of the Dielectric Constant of the Surrounding Medium and the Substrate on the Surface Plasmon Resonance Spectrum and Sensitivity Factors of Highly Symmetric Systems: Silver Nanocubes

Silver nanocubes (AgNCs), 60 nm, have four extinction surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peaks. The finite difference time domain (FDTD) simulation method is used to assign the absorption and scattering peaks and also to calculate the plasmon field intensity for AgNCs. Because AgNCs have a highly symmetric cubic shape, there is a uniform distribution of the plasmon field around them, and they are thus sensitive to asymmetric dielectric perturbations. When the dielectric medium around a nanoparticle is changed anisotropically, either by placing the particle on a substrate or by coating it asymmetrically with a solvent, the plasmon field is distorted, and the plasmonic absorption and scattering spectra could shift differently. For the 60 nm AgNC, we found that the scattering resonance peak shifted more than the absorption peak. This changes the extinction bandwidth of these overlapping absorption and scattering bands, and consequently the figure of merit of the nanoparticle, as a localized SPR sensor, no longer has a constant value.
Locally connected processor arrays for matrix multiplication and linear transforms

Cellular Neural Networks is a multiprocessor computing architecture where the processors are only directly connected to nearby processors. This results in a trade off between the number of connections between processors and the number of steps needed to perform global computation. We consider such a locally connected computing architecture and present some preliminary analysis on this trade off and study this architecture's applicability to the specific problem of matrix multiplication including linear transforms applications such as 1-D and 2-D DCT and DWT. We illustrate that in general there is a trade-off between the following 3 parameters: the number of iterations needed to perform the global computation, the amount of memory in each processor and the connectedness of the graph. This latter parameter is expressed as the relative diameter of the computer architecture graph with respect to the problem graph.
Room‐temperature processing of π‐conjugated oligomers into uniaxially oriented monodomain films on coumarin‐based photoalignment layers

Photoalignment layers comprising Polymer 1 were prepared using linearly polarized UV-irradiation for chloroform- vapor annealing of p-conjugated oligomer films, both proc- esses conducted at room temperature. The resultant uniaxially oriented monodomain films exhibited S ¼ 0.74 (at Pr ¼ 0.90) and 0.82 (at Pr ¼ 0.95) in OF and OF2T films, respectively, apparently limited by film dewetting in comparison to S ¼ 0.82 6 0.01 from thermal annealing on rubbed polyimide alignment and Polymer 1 photoalignment layers. The time to arrive at maximum S values varied from 5-10 s to 6-8 min on rubbed polyimide alignment layers and Polymer 1 photoalignment layer, respectively, because of favorable p-p interactions enhanced by rubbing. In contrast, PF2T could not be oriented on either type of alignment layers after annealing under satu- rated chloroform vapor up to 14 h. Annealing of an OF2T film under saturated chlorobenzene vapor at room temperature per- mitted lyotropic nematic mesomorphism to be observed in situ, which is equivalent to thermotropic nematic mesomor- phism as the driving force behind thermal annealing. V C 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 49: 725- 731, 2011
Red Blood Cell Transfusion: Experience in a Rural Aeromedical Transport Service

Introduction The administration of blood products to critically ill patients can be life-saving, but is not without risk. During helicopter transport, confined work space, communication challenges, distractions of multi-tasking, and patient clinical challenges increase the potential for error. This paper describes the in-flight red blood cell transfusion practice of a rural aeromedical transport service (AMTS) with respect to whether (1) transfusion following an established protocol can be safely and effectively performed, and (2) patients who receive transfusions demonstrate evidence of improvement in condition. Methods A two-year retrospective review of the in-flight transfusion experience of a single-system AMTS servicing a rural state was conducted. Data elements recorded contemporaneously for each transfusion were analyzed, and included hematocrit and hemodynamic status before and after transfusion. Compliance with an established transfusion protocol was determined through structured review by a multidisciplinary quality review committee. Results During the study, 2,566 missions were flown with 45 subjects (1.7%) receiving in-flight transfusion. Seventeen (38%) of these transports were scene-to-facility and 28 (62%) were inter-facility. Mean bedside and in-flight times were 22 minutes (range 3-109 minutes) and 24 minutes (range 8-76 minutes), respectively. The most common conditions requiring transfusion were trauma (71%), cardiovascular (13%) and gastrointestinal (11%). An average of 2.4 liters (L) of crystalloid was administered pre-transfusion. The mean transfusion was 1.4 units of packed red blood cells. The percentages of subjects with pre- and post-transfusion systolic blood pressures of <90 mmHg were 71% and 29%, respectively. The pre- and post-transfusion mean arterial pressures were 62 mmHg and 82 mmHg, respectively. The pre- and post- transfusion mean hematocrit levels were 17.8% and 30.4%, respectively. At the receiving institution, 9% of subjects died in the Emergency Department, 18% received additional transfusion within 30 minutes of arrival, 36% went directly to the operating room, and 36% were directly admitted to intensive care. Thirty-one percent of subjects died prior to hospital discharge. There were no protocol violations or reported high-risk provider blood exposure incidents or transfusion complications. All transfusions were categorized as appropriate. Conclusions In this rural AMTS, transfusion was an infrequent, likely life-saving, and potentially high-risk emergent therapy. Strict compliance with an established transfusion protocol resulted in appropriate and effective decisions, and transfusion proved to be a safe in-flight procedure for both patients and providers. Higgins GL 3rd, Baumann MR, Kendall KM, Watts MA, Strout TD. Red blood cell transfusion: experience in a rural aeromedical transport service. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2012;27(3):1-4.
Ultrafine-Grained Dense Monoclinic and Tetragonal Zirconia

Nanoparticles of ZrO[sub 2] with diameters ranging from 4 to 8 nm were synthesized by gas condensation. As-prepared n-ZrO[sub 2] particles have a monoclinic and a high-pressure tetragonal structure depending on size. Pure ZrO[sub 2] was sintered to full density under vacuum at 0.4T[sub m] within the monoclinic phase field. Final grain sizes in theoretically dense pellets are below 60 nm. By sintering below the monoclinic-tetragonal transition temperature, microcracking was completely avoided. Tetragonal ZrO[sub 2] stabilized with 3 mol% Y[sub 2]O[sub 3] was prepared by interdiffusion of nanoparticles and sintered to near-theoretical density.
Systemic treatment with liver X receptor agonists raises apolipoprotein E, cholesterol, and amyloid-β peptides in the cerebral spinal fluid of rats

Apolipoprotein E (apoE) is a major cholesterol transport protein found in association with brain amyloid from Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients and the e4 allele of apoE is a genetic risk factor for AD. Previous studies have shown that apoE forms a stable complex with amyloid β (Aβ) peptides in vitro and that the state of apoE lipidation influences the fate of brain Aβ, i.e., lipid poor apoE promotes Aβ aggregation/deposition while fully lipidated apoE favors Aβ degradation/clearance. In the brain, apoE levels and apoE lipidation are regulated by the liver X receptors (LXRs). We investigated the hypothesis that increased apoE levels and lipidation induced by LXR agonists facilitates Aβ efflux from the brain to the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF). We also examined if the brain expression of major apoE receptors potentially involved in apoE-mediated Aβ clearance was altered by LXR agonists. ApoE, cholesterol, Aβ40, and Aβ42 levels were all significantly elevated in the CSF of rats after only 3 days of treatment with LXR agonists. A significant reduction in soluble brain Aβ40 levels was also detected after 6 days of LXR agonist treatment. Our novel findings suggest that central Aβ lowering caused by LXR agonists appears to involve an apoE/cholesterol-mediated transport of Aβ to the CSF and that differences between the apoE isoforms in mediating this clearance pathway may explain why individuals carrying one or two copies of APOE e4 have increased risk for AD.
Crystallization and melting of polyethylene copolymers: Differential scanning calorimetry and atomic force microscopy studies

The Hoffman–Lauritzen theory of secondary, surface nucleation and growth was primarily relied upon for about 40 years after its introduction in about 1960 to rationalize the crystallization of flexible chain polymers into lamellar crystals. However, in about 1998, Strobl and coworkers introduced a different model for crystallization, based on the stage-wise formation of lamellae. Two major components of this model were as follows: (1) the concept of the formation of a mesomorphic melt as a precursor to crystallization and (2) the control of the melting temperature range of lamellar crystals of homogeneous polyolefin copolymers by an inner degree of order or perfection rather than on the crystal thickness. The first concept is in disagreement with the HL theory and the second with the Gibbs-Thomson theory, which associates melting temperature with lamella thickness. In the present study, differential scanning calorimetry and atomic force microscopy were successfully employed to monitor the in situ quiescent crystallization of polyethylene homopolymer and copolymer. In the present study, evidence was not found to support the concept of lamellae with equal thickness melting over a broad temperature range. Some evidence was found that might be interpreted to support the concept of a mesomorphic melt as a precursor to crystallization. At present, the model promoted by Strobl and coworkers appears to be at an uncertain stage at which strong proof or disproof are not available. However, this alternative model has injected a new vitality into the study of crystallization of flexible chain polymers. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 44: 2369–2388, 2006
Permanent Sovereignty over Natural Resources Recent Developments in the Mineral Sector

The United Nations has been concerned with the application of the principle of permanent sovereignty over natural resources and the exercise by developing countries of control over the exploitation of their natural resources for many years. Probably the most serious concern in recent years has been the impact of the world-wide recession on investment in mineral exploration and production facilities in developing countries. Growing difficulties in attracting investment funds have caused a re-examination of existing investment, mining and tax legislation. Recent mineral development agreements assign a higher priority to investment promotion; this reflects a change from earlier years—during the 1960s and 1970s—when many developing countries were in a stronger position because equity and loan capital for mineral projects was more readily available. Pendant de nombreuses annees, les Nations Unies se sont preoccupees de la mise en oeuvre par les pays en developpement du principe de leur souverainete permanente sur leurs ressources naturelles ainsi que de l'exercice de leur droit de controle sur la mise en production de ces memes ressources. En toute vraisemblance, le probleme le plus serieux qui s'est pose au cours de ces dernieres annees a ete le poids de la recession economique mondiale sur les investissements dans les domaines de l'exploration et de la production minieres dans les pays en developpement. Les difficultes grandissantes a obtenir des capitaux ont conduit a reexaminer les investissements existants ainsi que la legislation miniere et fiscale. De recents accords de developpement minier reservent une priorite plus importante a la promotion des investissements. Ceci reflete un changement par rapport aux annees precedentes—celles des decennies 60 et 70—au cours desquelles de nombreux pays en developpement avaient une position beaucoup plus forte car il etait plus facile de trouver des capitaux propres et des prets financiers pour les projets miniers. Las Naciones Unidas ha estado interesado en la aplicacion del principio de soverania permanente de los recursos naturales y el ejercicio del control por parte de los paises en desarrollo sobre su explotacion. Probablemente la mayor preocupacion en anos recientes ha sido el impacto de la recesion mundial de las inversiones en la exploracion y produccion de minerales en los paises en desarrollo. La dificultad creciente en atraer inversiones ha motivado el examen de la legislacion existente sobre inversiones, mineria e impuestos. Recientes acuerdos sobre desarrollo de minerales asigna mayor prioridad a la promocion de inversiones; esto representa un cambio con respecto a anos anteriores—decadas del 60 y 70—cuando los paises en desarrollo tenian una posicion fuerte debido a que el capital de riesgo y prestamos para proyectos en mineria eran abundante.
Enhancing collaborative web search with personalization: groupization, smart splitting, and group hit-highlighting

Collaboration on Web search is common in many domains, such as education and knowledge work; recently, HCI researchers have begun to introduce prototype collaborative search tools to support such scenarios. We analyze data from a collaborative search experiment, and based on these data we propose three techniques that can enhance the value of collaborative search tools using personalization: groupization, smart splitting, and group hit-highlighting.
IS THERE A MORAL DUTY TO OBEY THE LAW

This essay argues that there can be a duty to obey the law when it is produced by the evolutionary forces at work in the customary and common law. Human beings' inherent epistemic limitations mean that they must rely on the trial and error learning built into the common law process to discover rules that facilitate peaceful social interaction. Hence, a duty to obey the law produced by the common law process can arise from individuals' natural duty to promote social peace. This argument cannot be extended to ground political obligation. It does not give rise to a duty to obey the state.