cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Plutonium concentration and 240Pu/239Pu atom ratio in biota collected from Amchitka Island, Alaska: recent measurements using ICP-SFMS

Abstract Three underground nuclear tests, including the Unites States' largest, were conducted on Amchitka Island, Alaska. Monitoring of the radiological environment around the island is challenging because of its remote location. In 2008, the Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Legacy Management (LM) became responsible for the long term maintenance and surveillance of the Amchitka site. The first DOE LM environmental survey occurred in 2011 and is part of a cycle of activities that will occur every 5 years. The University of Alaska Fairbanks, a participant in the 2011 study, provided the lichen (Cladonia spp.), freshwater moss (Fontinalis neomexicanus), kelp (Eualaria fistulosa) and horse mussel (Modiolus modiolus) samples from Amchitka Island and Adak Island (a control site). These samples were analyzed for 239Pu and 240Pu concentration and 240Pu/239Pu atom ratio using inductively coupled plasma sector field mass spectrometry (ICP-SFMS). Plutonium concentrations and 240Pu/239Pu atom ratios were generally consistent with previous terrestrial and marine studies in the region. The 239+240Pu levels (mBq kg−1, dry weight) ranged from 3.79 to 57.1 for lichen, 167–700 for kelp, 27.9–148 for horse mussel, and 560–573 for moss. Lichen from Adak Island had higher Pu concentrations than Amchitka Island, the difference was likely the result of the higher precipitation at Adak compared to Amchitka. The 240Pu/239Pu atom ratios were significantly higher in marine samples compared to terrestrial and freshwater samples (t-test, p
High precision charge division

Abstract Results are presented of longitudinal position measurements using charge division readout. The use of the limited streamer mode gives large current pulses and allows one to achieve an rms resolution of less than 2 mm for a wire of length 5000 mm.
Pathway analysis, engineering, and physiological considerations for redirecting central metabolism

The rate and yield of producing a metabolite is ultimately limited by the ability to channel metabolic fluxes from central metabolism to the desired biosynthesis pathway. Redirection of central metabolism thus is essential to high-efficiency production of biochemicals. This task begins with pathway analysis, which considers only the stoichiometry of the reaction networks but not the regulatory mechanisms. An approach extended from convex analysis is used to determine the basic reaction modes, which allows the determination of optimal and suboptimal flux distributions, yield, and the dispensable sets of reactions. Genes responsible for reactions in the same dispensable set can be deleted simultaneously. This analysis serves as an initial guideline for pathway engineering. Using this analysis, we successfully constructed an Escherichia colistrain that can channel the metabolic flow from carbohydrate to the aromatic pathway with theoretical yield. This analysis also predicts a novel cycle involving phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) carboxykinase (Pck) and the glyoxylate shunt, which can substitute the tricarboxylic acid cycle with only slightly less efficiency. However, the full cycle could not be confirmed in vivo, possibly because of the regulatory mechanism not considered in the pathway analysis. In addition to the kinetic regulation, we have obtained evidence suggesting that central metabolites are involved in specific regulons in E. coli. Overexpression of PEP-forming enzymes (phosphoenolpyruvate synthase [Pps] and Pck) stimulates the glucose consumption rate, represses the heat shock response, and negatively regulates the Ntr regulon. These results suggest that some glycolytic intermediates may serve as a signal in the regulation of the phosphotransferase system, heat shock response, and nitrogen regulation. However, the role of central metabolites in these regulations has not been determined conclusively.
N-Glycosylation at the conserved sites ensures the expression of properly folded functional ACh receptors

The role of the conserved carbohydrate moiety in the expression of complete acetylcholine receptor (AChR), alpha2 beta gamma delta was re-investigated by expressing additional site-directed mutant subunits, lacking an N-glycosylation site, in Xenopus oocytes. All mutant subunits were stably expressed and appeared to associate with other normal subunits; however, removal of carbohydrate on the alpha subunit inhibited the formation of 125I-alpha-bungarotoxin (alpha-BuTX) binding sites and functional ACh-gated ion channels. 125I-alpha-BuTX binding to AChRs was also significantly reduced by removal of the conserved carbohydrate on the gamma or delta subunits. Immunoprecipitation with monoclonal antibodies that recognize the two distinct alpha-BuTX sites on the AChR indicated that the mutant gamma subunit did not interfere with efficient formation of the alpha-BuTX binding site at the alpha/delta interface, but loss of the carbohydrate did interfere with formation of the alpha-BuTX binding site at the alpha/mutant gamma interface. A similar result was obtained with the mutant delta subunit. Furthermore, the mutant gamma and mutant delta subunits were not incorporated efficiently into the mature (correct tertiary conformation capable of alpha-BuTX binding) alpha beta delta or alpha beta gamma complexes, respectively. Since both mutant gamma and mutant delta subunits were capable of assembling with the alpha subunits (immature assembly), these results suggest that the formation of the two alpha-BuTX binding sites requires correct folding of the alpha gamma and alpha delta complexes, which is aided by the conserved carbohydrate on the gamma and delta subunits. Electrophysiological experiments demonstrated that functional receptors containing mutant subunits were produced, but the functional properties of the mutant receptors were differentially altered, depending on the subunit mutated. Together, our results suggest that N-glycosylation of AChR subunits ensures the correct folding of important functional domains and expression of proper functional receptors in the plasma membrane.
Post-Disaster Stress Following the Oklahoma City Bombing An Examination of Three Community Groups

This article describes a study of 472 community members to determine the nature and course of the post-disaster response to the April 19, 1995, bombing in Oklahoma City. It was hypothesized that an individual's post-disaster reaction would resemble a linear function of the degree of exposure experienced, and that this dose-response relationship could be used to differentiate the expression of post-traumatic stress disorder and victimization symptomatology within the three study groups. The respondents were divided into three groups based on their level of exposure and proximity to the event. The findings partially support the stated hypotheses. As expected, the Oklahoma City groups reported higher levels of post-disaster disturbance than the comparison sample, although only PTSD and victimization could be used to differentiate among the three groups.
Attrition of T Cell Memory: Selective Loss of LCMV Epitope–Specific Memory CD8 T Cells following Infections with Heterologous Viruses

Using a variety of techniques, including limiting dilution assays (LDA), intracellular IFNgamma assays, and Db-IgG1 MHC dimer staining to measure viral peptide-specific T cell number and function, we show here that heterologous virus infections quantitatively delete and qualitatively alter the memory pool of T cells specific to a previously encountered virus. We also show that a prior history of a virus infection can alter the hierarchy of the immunodominant peptide response to a second virus and that virus infections selectively reactivate memory T cells with distinct specificities to earlier viruses. These results are consistent with a model for the immune system that accommodates memory T cell populations for multiple pathogens over the course of a lifetime.
Energetics of void enlargement in thermally grown ultrathin Si-oxide on Si(001)

The energetics of void enlargement in ultrathin Si-oxide are investigated by first principles density functional theory calculations and scanning tunneling microscopy. By calculating the energetics of Si monomer formation on Si(001) surface using cluster models containing up to 71 atoms, it is found that the activation energy of Si-monomer formation is within the range of SiO formation measured experimentally. This indicates that the rate-limiting step of the void enlargement process by either Si monomer or SiO formation is indistinguishable. Scanning tunneling microscopy studies confirm this prediction where an increase of void size and an increase in void number density are concomitant.
On global soil science and regional solutions

Abstract Soil science had a strict regional focus until the 1900s. Early international cooperation focused on soil mapping, methods for soil analysis and classification, and the formation of an international learned society (ISSS, now IUSS). Since then, the soil science knowledge base rapidly expanded and a large number of global studies have been conducted. These include studies on soils and world food production, soils and climate change, and global soil degradation. It was widely realized that there were global challenges that cut across national boundaries and that international cooperation was essential to seek solutions. From the late 1980s onwards, funds for global projects decreased but in the past 10 years, international cooperation has been revamped. Soil science has now reached the stage whereby (i) data and information are increasing and widely available, (ii) knowledge and technology rapidly expand, and (iii) soil knowledge and management strategies can be transferred and applied to all parts of the world. The globalization of soil science provides a large potential to provide solutions for regional and national issues. The International Year of Soils 2015 is an opportunity to enhance the soil science discipline. Download full-size image
Levels of synovial fluid interleukin-1 receptor antagonist in rheumatoid arthritis and other arthropathies. Potential contribution from synovial fluid neutrophils.

Objective. To measure synovial fluid (SF) levels of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) and to determine the capacity of SF neutrophils (PMN) to synthesize and release IL-1ra. Methods. A sensitive and specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure SF IL-1ra protein concentrations and IL-1ra production by isolated SF PMN. Results. SF IL-1ra levels were elevated in 13 of 16 samples from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) (mean 17.1 ng/ml), in 6 of 18 samples from patients with infectious or inflammatory, non-RA arthropathies (mean 10.6 ng/ml), and in none of 11 noninflammatory SF samples. SF IL-1ra levels correlated with SF PMN concentrations (r = 0.680, P < 0.00001). Isolated SF PMN contained preexisting IL-1ra protein in the absence of messenger RNA (mRNA). In addition, both lipopolysaccharide and granulocyte-macrophage colonystimulating factor induced modest increases in IL-1ra mRNA by cultured SF PMN. Conclusion. IL-1ra levels are increased in >80% of RA SF samples. SF PMN produce IL-1ra, possibly contributing to the levels of IL-1ra present within the SF.
A functional epitope of the pneumococcal surface adhesin A activates nasopharyngeal cells and increases bacterial internalization.

Abstract Pneumococcal surface adhesin A (PsaA) is a putative pneumococcal (Pnc) adhesin known to bind to nasopharyngeal (NP) epithelial cells. This study evaluated the effect of peptides within a functional domain of PsaA on NP cells. Detroit 562 NP cells were treated with synthetic peptides derived from PsaA (P4, P6, and P7; 28, 12, and 16 amino acids, respectively). The P4 peptide also binds to NP cells. Analysis of P4-treated NP cells by transmission electron microscopy revealed major cytological changes. Of 9 cytokines analyzed, a 6-fold increase in FGFb secretion at 3 and 6 h (11-fold at 12 h) was found post-P4 treatment of NP cells. There was a simultaneous reduction in the secreted levels of IL-6, IL-8, and VEGF. We observed enhancement in the adherence of Pnc strains to P4-treated NP cells (2–38-fold increase). Enhancement in adherence (2-fold increase) to P4-treated NP cells was also recorded with other streptococcal species (Streptococcus mitis and Streptococcus pyogenes). Internalization experiments demonstrated that 45% of the adherent bacteria were actually internalized after pretreatment with P4 peptide as compared to controls. Peptide fragments of P4, P6 and P7 did not activate NP cells to the extent of P4 peptide. The P4-mediated enhancement of Pnc adherence was blocked (100%) by anti-P4 antibodies, confirming the specificity of the P4 sequence for NP cell activation. Our data suggests that this functional domain of PsaA contained within the P4 sequence binds and activates NP cells to facilitate Pnc invasion.
The corticoids of the adrenal of the California sea lion (Zalophus californianus)

Abstract Cortisol (F) and corticosterone (B) have been identified as the major products obtained from in vitro incubations of the adrenal tissue from the California sea lion; these occur in a F B ratio of 1.5. In addition, aldosterone has been identified, and two minor steroidal products with the mobility of 11-dehydrocorticosterone and cortisone have been characterized partially. Cortical cells are found in the medulla, and incubation of the medulla revealed the ability of these cells to secrete both cortisol and corticosterone, but in a reversed F B ratio of 0.5. Functional zonation of the cortex in regard to the secretion of “glucocorticoids” seems likely: the peripheral cortical cells secrete mainly cortisol, while the inner cortical cells produce primarily corticosterone.
Response functions for crystals and surfaces, with applications to surface scattering

Abstract A general solution of the equations of forced motion of a harmonic crystal or other vibrating system with arbitrary time-dependent forces acting on the atoms is given. The solution is given in terms of dynamical “response functions”, for which expressions in terms of the normal mode frequencies and eigenvectors (polarization vectors) are given. Numerical calculations of the response functions are described for (111) and (100) surfaces of face-centered cubic crystals interacting with Lennard-Jones 6–12 potentials, and the qualitative features of the surface and bulk response functions are discussed. The use of these functions in problems of atomic scattering from surfaces is outline, and conveneint parameterized forms for this application are given.
Tensorial calibration. I: First-order calibration

Many analytical instruments now produce one-, two- or n-dimensional arrays of data that must be used for the analysis of samples. An integrated approach to linear calibration of such instruments is presented from a tensorial point of view. The data produced by these instruments are seen as the components of a first-, second- or nth-order tensor respectively. In this first paper, concepts of linear multivariate calibration are developed in the framework of first-order tensors, and it is shown that the problem of calibration is equivalent to finding the contravariant vector corresponding to the analyte being calibrated. A model of the subspace spanned by the variance in the calibration must be built to compute the contravarian vectors. It is shown that the only difference between methods such as least squares, principal components regression, latent root regression, ridge regression and partial least squres resides in the choice of the model.
The myth of the double-blind review?: author identification using only citations

Prior studies have questioned the degree of anonymity of the double-blind review process for scholarly research articles. For example, one study based on a survey of reviewers concluded that authors often could be identified by reviewers using a combination of the author's reference list and the referee's personal background knowledge. For the KDD Cup 2003 competition's "Open Task," we examined how well various automatic matching techniques could identify authors within the competition's very large archive of research papers. This paper describes the issues surrounding author identification, how these issues motivated our study, and the results we obtained. The best method, based on discriminative self-citations, identified authors correctly 40--45% of the time. One main motivation for double-blind review is to eliminate bias in favor of well-known authors. However, identification accuracy for authors with substantial publication history is even better (60% accuracy for the top-10% most prolific authors, 85% for authors with 100 or more prior papers).
Phantom and in-vivo imaging using a Gen-2 hand-held optical imager: reflectance and transmission studies

A novel Gen-2 hand-held optical imager was developed with capabilities to contour to different tissue curvatures, perform simultaneous illumination and detection and imager large tissue surfaces. Experimental studies using cubical phantoms demonstrated that the imager can detect targets up to 2.5 cm and 5 cm deep via reflectance and transmission measurements, respectively. The target was also localized as regions of high absorption during multi-scan imaging of curved breast phantoms via both reflectance and transmission modes. Preliminary in-vivo breast imaging demonstrated that the target can be detected via varying the pressure applied during imaging, as observed from reflectance-based imaging studies on healthy adults with superficially placed target(s) in the intra-mammary fold.
Photoradiation Therapy for Cutaneous and Subcutaneous Malignancies

Photoradiation therapy (PRT) using hematoporphyrin derivative (Hpd) as the photosensitizing agent is being developed for local treatment of a wide variety of malignant lesions including those involving the skin. The largest group of patients in this category are those with metastatic breast carcinoma in which 34/35 showed response to PRT. Other patients showing response to PRT are those with basal cell carcinoma, malignant melanoma, and squamous cell carcinoma.
The oxidative stress of zinc deficiency

Zinc is an essential catalytic and structural cofactor for many enzymes and other proteins. While Zn2+ is not redox active under physiological conditions, it has been known for many years that zinc deficiency causes increased oxidative stress and, consequently, increased oxidative damage to DNA, proteins, and lipids. These results have indicated that zinc plays an indirect antioxidant role and that dietary inadequacy may contribute to human diseases such as cancer. Recent studies are helping to identify the primary sources of oxidative stress in low zinc. In addition, through studies of the model eukaryotic cell, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, we are now beginning to understand the strategies cells use to limit this stress and reduce its damage.
Reissert compound studies LXVI. Regioselective synthesis of pyridine reissert analogs

The reaction of ethyl chloroformate and pyridine with diethylaluminum cyanide as the cyanide source gave the Reissert analog, 1-ethoxycarbonyl-4-cyano-1,4-dihydropyridine and not the expected 1,2-dihydro regio isomer. Under the same conditions, 3-bromopyridine also directly gave the corresponding 1,4-dihydro Reissert analog. Reinvestigation of trimethylsilylcyanide, as the cyanide source, resulted in the observation that both regio isomers are formed and the ratio of these isomers are affected by both solvent polarity and by copper(I) iodide.
Intrinsic carbon incorporation in very high purity MOVPE GaAs

Abstract The limits of intrinsic carbon incorporation in very high purity GaAs grown by atmospheric pressure metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy (MOVPE) were investigated by using a MOVPE system designed specifically for high purity growth along with many sources of highly purified trimethylgallium (TMG) and arsine. We have systematically grown series of layers while varying the growth temperature, gas phase stoichiometry (V/III ratio) and growth rate. In addition we studied the effects of in situ arsine purification on impurity incorporation. Donor and acceptor densities were reliably determined from fitting the temperature dependence of the electron density and mobility. Lineshape analysis of donor to acceptor photoluminescence transitions provided the relative amounts of carbon and zinc acceptors. This work determined a baseline for the minimum carbon incorporation of N C ≥ 5 × 10 13 cm −3 , and in addition, achieved a new standard for the electron mobility in n-type GaAs grown with TMG and AsH 3 with a peak mobility of μ (48 K ) = 213,000 cm 2 / V ⋯ s . Carbon incorporation showed a —1.3 power law dependence on the V/III ratio and was found to be controlled by processes with opposite temperature dependencies at high and low temperatures, thereby reaching a minimum around T g = 640 ± 20° C .
Spontaneous regression of oral histoplasmosis

A case of histoplasmosis with an unusual clinical presentation and subsequent disease course was diagnosed when a tooth extraction site failed to heal. Culture, biopsy, and serologic study confirmed the presence of Histoplasma capsulatum. Radiographs and sputum culture established pulmonary involvement. Oral and pulmonary lesions regressed without treatment. This case is presented to raise the question of whether all cases of histoplasmosis with oral involvement should be assumed to be disseminated disease requiring treatment with amphotercin B.
The impact of demands' correlation on the effectiveness of component commonality

A relatively new approach which simplifies the management and control of inventory and also reduces inventory is component commonality. Due to its promising results both companies and academicians found interest in this approach. A common assumption made in previous studies is that the demands of the various products are independent. However, it is not uncommon for companies to offer products that are complementing or substituting each other. In this paper the assumption of independent demands is relaxed and the effect of products' demands correlation (positive or negative) on the performance and attractiveness of component commonality is studied. In order to obtain closed form solutions a correlation between uniform distributions is introduced. This work shows that when component commonality is being considered, demands' correlation should not be neglected due to its significant effect.
Lorentz Transformations in the Presence of a Uniform Gravitational Field

This article describes a Lorentz-like transformation between a fixed frame and an inertial frame that is free falling due to the presence of a uniform gravitation field. The application to the clock paradox problem and some connections with similar works are also discussed.
Relaxation processes in liquids: Variations on a theme by Stokes and Einstein

We investigate numerically the temperature and density dependence of the Stokes-Einstein ratio, Dη/T, and of two commonly-used variants thereof, Dτ and Dτ/T, where D is a diffusivity, η the shear viscosity, and τ a structural relaxation time. We consider a family of atomic binary mixtures with systematically-softened repulsive interactions, and the Lewis-Wahnstrom model of ortho-terphenyl (OTP). The three quantities grow significantly as the temperature decreases in the supercooled regime, a well-known phenomenon. At higher temperatures, Dτ exhibits negative violations of Stokes-Einstein behavior, i.e., decrease upon cooling, for the atomic systems, though not for OTP. We consider two choices for the relaxation time, one based on the decay of the self-intermediate scattering function, and the other on the integral of the stress autocorrelation function. The instantaneous shear modulus exhibits appreciable temperature dependence for the two classes of systems investigated here. Our results suggest that commonly-invoked assumptions, such as τ ∼ η and τ ∼ η/T, should be critically evaluated across a wide spectrum of systems and thermodynamic conditions. We find the Stokes-Einstein ratio, Dη/T, to be constant across a broad range of temperatures and densities for the two classes of systems investigated here.
A Brownian dynamics-finite element method for simulating DNA electrophoresis in nonhomogeneous electric fields

The objective of this work is to develop a numerical method to simulate DNA electrophoresis in complicated geometries. The proposed numerical scheme is composed of three parts: (1) a bead-spring Brownian dynamics (BD) simulation, (2) an iterative solver-enhanced finite element method (FEM) for the electric field, and (3) the connection algorithm between FEM and BD. A target-induced searching algorithm is developed to quickly address the electric field in the complex geometry which is discretized into unstructured finite element meshes. We also develop a method to use the hard-sphere interaction algorithm proposed by Heyes and Melrose [J. Non-Newtonian Fluid Mech. 46, 1 (1993)] in FEM. To verify the accuracy of our numerical schemes, our method is applied to the problem of λ-DNA deformation around an isolated cylindrical obstacle for which the analytical solution of the electric field is available and experimental data exist. We compare our schemes with an analytical approach and there is a good agreement ...
Effect of pressure gradient on viscous shear flow past an axisymmetric depression or protuberance on a plane wall

Abstract The effect of pressure gradient on the structure of unidirectional viscous shear flow over an axisymmetric depression or protuberance on a plane wall, possibly in the presence of an upper parallel plane wall in the configuration of two-dimensional Hagen–Poiseuille flow, is considered. The problem is formulated in terms of a system of three coupled Fredholm integral equations of the first kind for the first-order Fourier coefficients of the boundary traction, and the solution is found using a boundary element method. The numerical results illustrate the effect of the pressure gradient on the streamline pattern and on the distribution of the shear stress along the plane wall and over the depression or protuberance. The topology of the streamline pattern in three-dimensional flow is found to be generally similar to that in two-dimensional flow, but important differences arise in the vicinity of stagnation points. The structure of semi-infinite parabolic flow is similar to that of the channel pressure-driven flow, when the distance between the channel walls is roughly larger than six times the characteristic size of the depression of protuberance. The force and torque exerted on a protuberance are evaluated for pure shear flow, pure parabolic flow, and pressure-driven channel flow, and a linear combination of the results for the first two cases is shown to accurately describe the results for the third case when the channel is moderately wide.
Civil litigation and the child psychiatrist.

Abstract This paper reviews the legal principles involved in tort litigation and covers the evolution of case law regarding recovery of damages for psychic trauma. Concepts of zone of danger, foreseeability, and proximate cause are discussed. Issues for both plaintiff and expert witness are discussed. Case examples are provided, and recommendations are made regarding the child psychiatrist's involvement in these cases. J. Am. Acad. Child Adolesc. Psychiatry , 1990, 29, 6:963–968.
Thermoelastic equation of state of jadeite NaAlSi2O6: An energy‐dispersive Reitveld Refinement Study of low symmetry and multiple phases diffraction

We report the first measurement of a complete set of thermoelastic equation of state of a clinopyroxene mineral. We have conducted an in situ synchrotron x-ray diffraction study of jadeite at simultaneous high pressures and high temperatures. A modified Rietveld profile refinement program has been applied to refine the diffraction spectra of low symmetry and multiple phases observed in energy dispersive mode. Unit cell volumes, measured up to 8.2 GPa and 1280 K, are fitted to a modified high-temperature Birch-Murnaghan equation of state. The derived thermoelastic parameters of the jadeite are: bulk modulus K=125 GPa with assumed pressure derivative of bulk modulus K′ = ∂K/∂P = 5.0, temperature derivative of bulk modulus , and volumetric thermal expansivity α = a + bT with values of a=2.56×10−5K−1 and b=0.26x10−8 K−2. We also derived thermal Gruneisen parameter γth=1.06 for ambient conditions; Anderson-Gruneisen parameter δTo=5.02, and pressure derivative of thermal expansion ∂α/∂P = −1.06×10−6 K−1 GPa−1. From the P-V-T data and the thermoelastic equation of state, thermal expansions at five constant pressures of 1.0, 2.5, 4.0, 5.5, and 7.5 GPa are calculated. The derived pressure dependence of thermal expansion is: Δα/ΔP = −0.97×10−6K−1GPa−1, in good agreement with the thermodynamic relations.
Selection of Japanese quail for reduced adrenocortical responsiveness accelerates puberty in males

Abstract Differences in the onset of puberty were assessed in male Japanese quail from a random-bred (RB, control) line and two lines that had been genetically selected for reduced (low stress, LS) or exaggerated (high stress, HS) plasma corticosterone response to brief mechanical restraint. At 42 d of age, cloacal gland area (CAREA) and volume (CVOL), proportion of individuals that produced cloacal gland foam (PICF), and intensity of cloacal gland foam production (CFP) were examined in 60 representatives from each of these quail lines. CFP was quantified by subjective scaling of the amount of foam ejected upon manual expression (squeezing) of the foam gland, using a scale of 1 (no foam expressed) to 5 (maximum amount of foam expression). Mean CAREA and CVOL were similar in quail of the RB and HS lines, but these measures were greater (P
Micromechanics-Based Predictions on the Overall Stress-Strain Relations of Cement-Matrix Composites

A micromechanics-based model is proposed to determine the nonlinear stress-strain relations of cement-matrix composites at different concentrations of inclusions (aggregates). We first conducted some experiments to uncover the stress-strain behavior of the cement paste with a water-to-cement ratio of 0.45, and those of the mortar with the same cement paste but at three different volume concentrations of aggregates. The behavior of the cement paste is then simulated by Burgers’ rheological model. In the development of the composite model, we extend the linear elastic response to the nonlinear one through the replacement of elastic moduli by the corresponding secant moduli. The nonlinear stress-strain curves of the cement-matrix composite are then determined from those of the cement paste and inclusions. It is shown that the predicted stress-strain curves of the mortar are in close agreement with the experimental curves up to an aggregate volume fraction of 49% or 60 wt % .
Changing patterns of tracheotomy use in anterior skull base surgery with free tissue reconstruction.

Objective: To evaluate how changing patterns of tracheotomy use with free tissue reconstruction of the anterior skull base affect postoperative complications. Design: Retrospective comparison of clinical cohort to historic control group. Setting: Tertiary care medical center. Patients: We reviewed 201 patients with a diagnosis of malignant or locally aggressive benign neoplasms of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses between January 1993 and December 2006. Of these, we studied 33 consecutive patients that underwent ablative anterior skull base surgery reconstructed with free tissue transfers. We divided the study group into two cohorts: Group 1, patients treated from 1993–2000, and Group 2, patients treated from 2000–2006. Main Outcome Measures: Tracheotomy use and postoperative complications. Results: There were 16 patients in Group 1 and 17 patients in Group 2. There were 11 patients who received a tracheotomy in Group 1, and only 5 in Group 2 (P = .038). Five patients in either group experienced complications (P = 1.000). There was one case of meningitis in Group 1 and no cases in Group 2 (P = .485). There were two cases of pneumocephalus in Group 2 and none in Group 1 (P = .485) and no cases of tension pneumocephalus. Six patients in each group had recurrent disease (P = 1.000). There was no statistically significant difference in survival (P = .675). Conclusions: The decreased use of tracheotomy in patients undergoing free tissue transfer reconstruction of anterior skull base defects did not lead to an increase in complications. Routine use of tracheotomy in these patients is unnecessary and should be reserved for selected cases. Laryngoscope, 2009
Street sweeping as a water pollution control measure: Lessons learned over the past ten years

Abstract Street surfaces are both sources of urban runoff pollutants and pathways for the transport of pollutants originating from adjacent land areas. This view has led to the suggestion that street sweeping may be a valuable best management practice (BMP) for the control of urban runoff quality. Initial investigtions beginning in the early 1970's indicated that changes in street sweeping practices could be beneficial in reducing urban runoff pollution. In response to this early research, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency sponsored Nationwide Urban Runoff Program adopted a broad-based assessment of street sweeping as one of its central research elements. The key finding of street sweeping research to date is that as a general, broad-based water quality best management practice it does not appear to be effective in reducing end-of-pipe urban runoff pollution loads. Under favorable conditions, reduction of about 30 percent can be expected, but more typical performance is in the 10 to 30 percent range. For certain constituents such as lead, where street surfaces are the overwhelming sources, street sweeping can control well of 50 percent of the loads. There are other specific condition where street sweeping can be effective.
Investigations of Single Wall Carbon Nanotube Growth by Time-Restricted Laser Vaporization

The growth times of single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNT's) within a high-temperature laser-vaporization (LV) reactor were measured and adjusted through in situ imaging of the plume of laser-ablated material using Rayleigh-scattered light induced by time-delayed, 308-nm laser pulses. Short SWNT's were synthesized by restricting the growth time to less than 20 ms for ambient growth temperatures of 760--1100 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C. Statistical analysis of transmission electron microscope photographs indicated most-probable lengths of 35--77 nm for these conditions. Raman spectra ${(E}_{\mathrm{ex}}=1.96$ and 2.41 eV) of the short nanotubes indicate that they are well-formed SWNT's. The temperature of the particles in the vortex-ring-shaped plume during its thermalization to the oven temperature was estimated by collecting its blackbody emission spectra at different spatial positions inside the oven and fitting them to Planck's law. These data, along with detailed oven temperature profiles, were used to deduce a complete picture of the time spent by the plume at high growth temperatures (760--1100 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C). The upper and lower limits of the growth rates of SWNT's were estimated as 0.6 and 5.1 \ensuremath{\mu}m/s for the typical nanosecond Nd:YAG laser-vaporization conditions used in this study. These measurements permit the completion of a general picture of SWNT growth by LV based on imaging, spectroscopy, and pyrometry of ejected material at different times after ablation, which confirms our previous measurements that the majority of SWNT growth occurs at times greater than 20 ms after LV by the conversion of condensed phase carbon.
Serial Regulation of Transcriptional Regulators in the Yeast Cell Cycle

Genome-wide location analysis was used to determine how the yeast cell cycle gene expression program is regulated by each of the nine known cell cycle transcriptional activators. We found that cell cycle transcriptional activators that function during one stage of the cell cycle regulate transcriptional activators that function during the next stage. This serial regulation of transcriptional activators forms a connected regulatory network that is itself a cycle. Our results also reveal how the nine transcriptional regulators coordinately regulate global gene expression and diverse stage-specific functions to produce a continuous cycle of cellular events. This information forms the foundation for a complete map of the transcriptional regulatory network that controls the cell cycle.
Fast single-gradient simultaneous measurement of D and T2 in liquids via the distant dipolar field

Abstract Here we show that simultaneous measurement of the self-diffusion coefficient D and the relaxation time T 2 using the NMR signal in the presence of long-range dipolar interactions can be performed using a single-square gradient pulse. Furthermore, during acquisition, a train of 180° radio-frequency pulses is utilized in order to improve signal-to-noise efficiency and to reduce the diffusion-attenuation associated with local field inhomogeneities. The new approach can determine D and T 2 in a single-shot acquisition. The results obtained for water protons show good agreement when compared to standard techniques. Finally, this method offers a new possibility for monitoring fast processes.
Social Sites of Political Practice in France: Lawsuits, Civil Rights, and the Separation of Powers in Domestic and State Government, 1500–1800

DURING THE FRENCH REVOLUTION, awash with reform in 1791, Olympe de Gouges set forth the Declaration of the Rights of Woman, exhorting deputies in the National Assembly to reform past practices and guarantee rights to women. "Man, are you capable of being just?" "Tell me, what gives you the sovereign power to oppress my sex?" Alongside men in the monarchic state, women must be "constituted into a National Assembly" in order to privilege equally the "authoritative acts of women and the authoritative acts of men," because in past centuries the "scorn" of men for the "natural, inalienable, and sacred rights of woman" has caused both "public misfortunes and the corruption of governments." In her view, "No society has a constitution without the guarantee of rights and the separation of powers." At this moment of potential structural change enabled by the drafting of a new constitution, Gouges posed a critical question anchored in historical memory: "Do you [women] fear that our [new] French legislators, correctors of that [old] morality enshrined in political practices now out of date, will say to you once again, 'Women, what is there in common between you and us?"' Likening the civil status of French women maritally contracted into servitude to that of Africans sold into colonial slavery, she negated both slavery and marriage as then construed. Gouges posited the necessary reform: her Form for a Social Contract between Man and Woman held wife and husband equal partners in a marriage freely entered, co-parents of all children propagated, and equal shareholders in family property even upon marital separation.' In the same year, Etta Palm d'Aelders set forth her Address from French Women Citizens to the National Assembly, calling on legislators to reject past practices that tyrannized women. In a challenge to deputies proposing new laws at that moment, she said, "You must no longer allow woman to groan beneath arbitrary authority." "Justice ... calls all individuals to equality of rights without discrimination of sex." Jogging their memories, she indicted past practices still in force. "For too long, ...
Proper orthogonal decomposition based optimal neurocontrol synthesis of a chemical reactor process using approximate dynamic programming

The concept of approximate dynamic programming and adaptive critic neural network based optimal controller is extended in this study to include systems governed by partial differential equations. An optimal controller is synthesized for a dispersion type tubular chemical reactor, which is governed by two coupled nonlinear partial differential equations. It consists of three steps: First, empirical basis functions are designed using the 'Proper Orthogonal Decomposition' technique and a low-order lumped parameter system to represent the infinite-dimensional system is obtained by carrying out a Galerkin projection. Second, approximate dynamic programming technique is applied in a discrete time framework, followed by the use of a dual neural network structure called adaptive critics, to obtain optimal neurocontrollers for this system. In this structure, one set of neural networks captures the relationship between the state variables and the control, whereas the other set captures the relationship between the state and the costate variables. Third, the lumped parameter control is then mapped back to the spatial dimension using the same basis functions to result in a feedback control. Numerical results are presented that illustrate the potential of this approach. It should be noted that the procedure presented in this study can be used in synthesizing optimal controllers for a fairly general class of nonlinear distributed parameter systems.
On the spectrum of the periodic problem for the Schrödinger operator

(1990). On the spectrum of the periodic problem for the Schrodinger operator. Communications in Partial Differential Equations: Vol. 15, No. 11, pp. 1631-1647.
Mobile ion crossover effects in the system LiFPbF2Al(PO3)3 from electrical, mechanical and Tg studies

Abstract Fluorophosphate glasses in the system LiFPbF2Al(PO3)3 have been synthesized and the glass transition temperatures, de conductivities, and mechanical and electrical relaxations have been studied. The dc electrical conductivity shows a sharp minimum as a function of composition similar to that observed in mixed alkali glasses. It is likewise here attributed to the presence of two mobile ions (Li+ and F−) but primarily through their effect on the liquid structural relaxation rather than on their individual mobilities. It may therefore not imply a crossover in Li+ and F− mobilities. The electrical and mechanical relaxation behavior have been compared in the isofrequency-inverse temperature representation. Phenomena characteristic of the mixed effect are found; the most probable relaxation times for the two responses show a crossover. The electrical relaxations in some of these mixed conducting glasses are among the broadest yet observed, yet the maximum width is not found at the conductivity minimum. It is suggested that the halfwidth maximum rather than the conductivity minimum may signal the mobility crossover.
DHA Deficiency and Prefrontal Cortex Neuropathology in Recurrent Affective Disorders

Increasing evidence suggests that docosahexaenoic acid [DHA, 22:6(n-3)], the principal (n-3) fatty acid in brain gray matter, has neurotrophic and neuroprotective properties. Preliminary clinical evidence also suggests that the perinatal accrual, and the subsequent dietary maintenance of, cortical DHA is positively associated with cortical gray matter volumes. The pathophysiology of recurrent affective disorders, including unipolar and bipolar depression, is associated with (n-3) fatty acid deficiency, DHA deficits, impaired astrocyte mediated vascular coupling, neuronal shrinkage, and reductions in gray matter volume in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). Preclinical studies have also observed neuronal shrinkage and indices of astrocyte pathology in the DHA-deficient rat brain. Together, this body of evidence supports the proposition that DHA deficiency increases vulnerability to neuronal atrophy in the PFC of patients with affective disorders. Because projections from the PFC modulate multiple limbic structures involved in affective regulation, this represents one plausible mechanism by which (n-3) fatty acid deficiency may increase vulnerability to recurrent affective disorders.
The effect of social reinforcement on children’s story themes

A task resembling a projective test was administered individually to 21 sixth-grade children. Positive, negative, and neutral social reinforcement was given at various stages in each child’s session. It was found that negative social reinforcement reduced the tendency to persist with the original theme. The remaining two reinforcement conditions did not differ.
Efficient hybrid non-equilibrium molecular dynamics--Monte Carlo simulations with symmetric momentum reversal.

Hybrid schemes combining the strength of molecular dynamics (MD) and Metropolis Monte Carlo (MC) offer a promising avenue to improve the sampling efficiency of computer simulations of complex systems. A number of recently proposed hybrid methods consider new configurations generated by driving the system via a non-equilibrium MD (neMD) trajectory, which are subsequently treated as putative candidates for Metropolis MC acceptance or rejection. To obey microscopic detailed balance, it is necessary to alter the momentum of the system at the beginning and/or the end of the neMD trajectory. This strict rule then guarantees that the random walk in configurational space generated by such hybrid neMD-MC algorithm will yield the proper equilibrium Boltzmann distribution. While a number of different constructs are possible, the most commonly used prescription has been to simply reverse the momenta of all the particles at the end of the neMD trajectory (“one-end momentum reversal”). Surprisingly, it is shown here that the choice of momentum reversal prescription can have a considerable effect on the rate of convergence of the hybrid neMD-MC algorithm, with the simple one-end momentum reversal encountering particularly acute problems. In these neMD-MC simulations, different regions of configurational space end up being essentially isolated from one another due to a very small transition rate between regions. In the worst-case scenario, it is almost as if the configurational space does not constitute a single communicating class that can be sampled efficiently by the algorithm, and extremely long neMD-MC simulations are needed to obtain proper equilibrium probability distributions. To address this issue, a novel momentum reversal prescription, symmetrized with respect to both the beginning and the end of the neMD trajectory (“symmetric two-ends momentum reversal”), is introduced. Illustrative simulations demonstrate that the hybrid neMD-MC algorithm robustly yields a correct equilibrium probability distribution with this prescription.
IL-12 Down-Regulates Autoantibody Production in Mercury-Induced Autoimmunity

In genetically susceptible H-2s mice, subtoxic doses of mercuric chloride (HgCl2) induce a complex autoimmune syndrome characterized by the production of anti-nucleolar IgG Abs, lymphoproliferation, increased serum levels of IgG1 and IgE Abs, and renal Ig deposits. Mercury-induced autoimmunity in H-2s mice provides a useful model for chemically related autoimmunity in humans. The increase in serum IgG1 and IgE, which are under IL-4 control, suggests a role for the Th2 subset in this syndrome. The IL-12 cytokine induces T cell proliferation and IFN-gamma production and is necessary for differentiation of naive T cells into the Th1 subset. To gain an understanding of T cell control in this syndrome and, in particular, Th1/Th2 regulation, we assessed the effect of IL-12 administration in mercury-induced autoimmunity. Groups of A.SW mice (H-2s) received HgCl2 plus IL-12, HgCl2 alone, or IL-12 alone. IL-12 treatment resulted in a dramatic reduction of the anti-nucleolar Ab titers. IL-12 also inhibited the HgCl2-induced serum IgG1 increase, but, in contrast, did not significantly affect IgE induction in this model. This observation may be related to our unexpected finding that IL-12 further potentiated the HgCl2-triggered IL-4 induction in this model. The levels of renal Ig deposits were similar in mice receiving HgCl2 alone or HgCl2 plus IL-12. Our results indicate that IL-12 can down-regulate the autoimmune component of this experimental syndrome and that the various manifestations of mercury-induced autoimmunity are independently regulated.